The Struggle for Independence
Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrow
Thesis
Minister John L. Stevens
Minister John L. Stevens was a minister who was stationed in Hawaii. He was assigned to represent the U.S. as a political representation. It mentions that Stevens was racist and mentioned that Hawaiians were “childlike” and “unfit” to rule/semi-barbaric. The Committee of Safety supported him of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In addition, also supported the “Coup de tat” which is the decisive action resulting in charge of the government, illegally or by force. On January 14, 1893, Stevens gave orders for the marines to disembark to downtown Honolulu, which took place in Thomas Square and overthrow the Hawaiian Monarchy. Even more, WITHOUT permission, he proclaimed a new government as well as Hawaii, a new protectorate. He then threatens Queen Liliuokalani, only if she surrendered Pearl Harbor as a possession to the U.S. However, the queen stated that she’d only surrenders to the U.S. All in all, January, 17, 1893, was the over throw of the Hawaiian Monarchy.
President William Mckinley
President William McKinley was strongly for the Annexation of Hawaii and favored the idea of New Imperialism (taking over small countries from big countries). When war broke out in 1898 with Spain, the military significance of Hawaii naval bases became a strategic location. Specifically, Pearl Harbor was a valued location. Queen Liliuokalani and delegates submitted the Kue Petition, which was signed by many Hawaiians, one for the Opposition of Annexation and one that supported the Monarchy. 90% of the Hawaiians signed this petition, and the treaty was defeated in senate. Shortly after, July 7, 1897, the United States congress resorted of a “joint resolution”(When the houses of representatives and senate join together and vote on something only for domestic issues), which meant that a simple majority vote in bath houses “Newlands Resolution” that was signed into law.
President Grover Cleveland
President Grover Cleveland was strictly not for the Annexation of Hawaii. He states that “the actions taken by the Committee of Safety was an act of war.” Secretary James Blount gave a report about how the overthrow was Illegal and Immoral. In addition, he tells Dole to lower the American flag and to also to give back the Hawaiian Kingdom to Queen Liliuokalani. However, Americans were strongly for the Annexation of Hawaii. Dole had an attitude of “You want it come and get it” and also threatened for Americans to be shot and killed them if he were to give the Hawaiian Kingdom back to the Queen. As a result, Cleveland does not take anything into action and does nothing else. The reason was because he didn't want to against his own people.
Historical Significance
Without these three, Minister John L. Stevens, President Grover Cleveland, and President William McKinley and having to play an impactful role in the Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrow, it wouldn’t be the same. This topic is important in History is because it explains and identifies how the Overthrow took away the Independency of Hawaii. The long term significance is that there is no longer a Hawaii Kingdom and also Hawaii is in possession under the United States. Hawaii had to keep on fighting against the annexation until they no longer could when it came to harming the Hawaiians. What I want the reader to take away from this project, is having to see how the Hawaiian Kingdom was being overthrown and their Indepence as a nation was taken away. The U.S. had to bare with the devastation of no existence of the Hawaiian Kingdom anymore.
Is Hawai'i Legally and Lawfully a state of the Union?
Hawaii is not legally and lawfully a state of the Union. Reason being is because the United States took away what was the Hawaiians. For example, their Independence, their Hawaiian Monarchy, and also their Hawaiian Kingdom. Having to believe, that Hawaiians were able to be independent as their own.
Supplemental Information
Cites
- "Jennifer Lymburner." Jennifer Lymburner. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.
- "Overthrow+of+hawaii - Google Search." Overthrow+of+hawaii - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2015
- "Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
- "Minister+John+L.+Stevens - Google Search." Minister+John+L.+Stevens - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2015.