KŪ‘Ē
Protesting an Injustice on the Hawaiian Kingdom
Thesis
The overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom on January 17, 1893 would not have been able to take place if it weren't for the actions of John L. Stevens, Grover Cleveland, and William McKinley. They all played parts that were crucial to the effect on the overthrow of Hawaii.
John L. Stevens
John L. Stevens, one of the many foreigners who believed that the Americans could rule Hawaii better than the Hawaiians. He was assigned to go to Hawaii and represent the U.S.'s political representations. He called the Hawaiians "Semi-Barbaric", and thought they were "Unfit to rule". He also supported "Coup de tat", which meant a sudden change in government. The annexation. When Queen Lilioukalani refused to sign the treaty of annexation, McKinley sent troops from pearl harbor downtown to the Iolani Palace to threaten her with guns.
Grover Cleveland
Grover Cleveland stated that America's plan to annex Hawaii was improperly authorized, and was an act of war. He tried to withdraw the annexation by using the American constitution to support his reason to not overthrow the Hawaiian kingdom. He also tried to withdraw the annexation by sending in secretary Blount to write up a 1,400 word report on the events that took place in Hawaii as the American foreigners dwelled in it. Secretary Blount came to the conclusion that the overthrow was Immoral, and Illegal. When Blount told Dole, (President of the Provisional Government) he is threatened and told that a war would have to take place if they were to return the lands.
William Mckinley
William McKinley was one of the many who supported the overthrow on the Hawaiian kingdom. The idea of "New Imperialism" was taking over a land, and owning it. McKinley supported this, as well as he supported the "Committee od Safety", a group of American soldiers who had threatened the Hawaiian people and the Hawaiian Queen, Queen Lilioukalani, to sign the treaty od annexation.
Historical Significance
Without the crucial roles of William McKinley, Grover Cleveland, and John L. Stevens, The overthrow on the Hawaiian kingdom would not have been able to place. This topic is important in history because it shows us some of the flaws in the American country, it teaches us to not make the same mistakes, and learn from our mistakes. The long term significance of this event is to teach the future generations of Americans that America isn't exactly "perfect" and that we have made some mistakes, but we definitely learn from them.
Is Hawaii Legally and Lawfully A State of the Union
I personally do not think that Hawaii is lawfully and legally a state of the union because there was no treaty of annexation of which, the Hawaiians had agreed to sign, because they were forced to sign the treaty. Not only was this unconstitutional, and improperly authorized, it was an act of war.
Supplemental Information
"We are weak people, We Hawaiians, and have no power unless we stand together." A Hawaiian citizen proudly states as an American translator reveals her strong prideful words to a reporter by his side. The Hawaiians made a petition saying that they didn't want the overthrow to take place.
Many Hawaiians Participated in Signing the Petition
The Petition
Mrs. Kuaihelani, President of the Hawaiian Women's Patriotic League Who Started the Petition
Cite
San, Francisco. The San Francisco Call. San Francisco, CA: San Francisco Call, 1908. Print.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/common/a/a9/William_McKinley_by_Courtney_Art_Studio
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