Queen Liliuokalani

Definition

Queen Liliuokalani was the last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, serving from 1891 until her overthrow in 1893. Her reign is marked by efforts to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and resist foreign influence, particularly from the United States, which culminated in a political struggle that led to her dethronement by a group of American and European businessmen and politicians.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Queen Liliuokalani was a strong advocate for Hawaiian nationalism and sought to restore the monarchy's authority through reforms during her reign.
2. Her overthrow was orchestrated by a group known as the Committee of Safety, which was comprised mainly of American sugar planters and business interests.
3. Liliuokalani was arrested and placed under house arrest following her overthrow, where she spent much of her later life reflecting on her people's struggles.
4. The annexation of Hawaii by the United States occurred five years after her overthrow, marking a significant loss of sovereignty for the Hawaiian people.
5. Queen Liliuokalani's legacy includes her efforts to preserve Hawaiian culture and identity, as well as her post-monarchial work advocating for Hawaiian rights and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did Queen Liliuokalani's policies reflect her commitment to Hawaiian sovereignty during her reign?
  • Queen Liliuokalani's policies were heavily focused on restoring the power of the monarchy and protecting Hawaiian interests against foreign domination. She sought to amend the Bayonet Constitution, which had stripped previous rulers of significant powers, and aimed to implement reforms that would strengthen native rights. Her commitment to sovereignty was evident through her attempts to create a new constitution that would return authority to the monarchy and reduce foreign influence.
• Discuss the role played by American business interests in the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and how this impacted Hawaii's future.
  • American business interests were pivotal in orchestrating the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani, as they aimed to protect their economic investments in sugar plantations and other industries. The Committee of Safety, formed by these businessmen, leveraged political instability and rallied support for their cause, leading to her dethronement. This act not only resulted in the end of the monarchy but also set the stage for Hawaii's annexation by the United States, fundamentally altering its political landscape and relationship with America.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Queen Liliuokalani's overthrow on Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements in subsequent years.
  • The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani had profound long-term effects on Hawaiian identity and sovereignty movements. It catalyzed a stronger sense of national identity among Hawaiians who began to organize for their rights and cultural preservation. In subsequent years, this discontent led to various movements advocating for self-determination and recognition of native rights, highlighting a resistance against colonial legacies. The legacy of Liliuokalani continues to inspire contemporary efforts to reclaim Hawaiian sovereignty and preserve its unique cultural heritage.

Related terms

Bayonet Constitution:

A constitution imposed on King Kalākaua in 1887 that significantly reduced the power of the monarchy and increased the influence of foreign interests in Hawaii.

Annexation of Hawaii: The process by which the Republic of Hawaii was annexed to the United States in 1898, following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani.

Overthrow: The act of removing a government or leader from power, often through force or coercion; in this context, it refers to the removal of Queen Liliuokalani from the throne.