Overthrowing the Hawaiian Kingdom
Standing together to not be annexed by a stronger Nation
Thesis
President Grover Cleveland
President Grover Cleveland's role in the history of Hawaii was that he attempted to help Queen Liliuokalani return to her rightful throne and rule the Hawaiian people. When he was informed of the Overthrow he sent Secretary Blount to investigate whether the actions taken by the Committee of Safety were legal. Minister Blount wrote a 1,400 page document stating that the Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom was illegal and unlawful. President Cleveland stated that these actions were an act of war and ordered that the American flag be lowered and the kingdom given back to the Queen. This decision made the Committee of Safety furious and refused to comply with his demands. The Committee of Safety lowered the American flag but refused to return the throne back to the Queen. In essence, they told the president if he wanted to restore the Queen he would have to take it by force killing American citizens. Cleveland did not want to do this so he allowed the Provisional Government to stay in power. As a result of Cleveland's inaction the Provisional Government remained in power.