Overthrow of Hawai'i
An Island Nation Comes to an End
Thesis
The overthrow of the kingdom of Hawai'i on January 17, 1893 wouldn't have been accomplished without President Cleveland, President McKinley and Minister John Stevens.
President Grover Cleveland
President Grover Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. First term of presidency he had supported the idea of free trade with Hawai'i. President Cleveland appointed James Blount as a investigator. Cleveland's job was to investigate on what goes on in the Hawaiian Kingdom. After Blount decided that all American flags must be removed from Hawaii's buildings, Cleveland decided to fight for Hawaii's rights and beliefs. Cleveland was an anti-imperialist. Cleveland has responded to the Hawaiians' protest against the overthrow. Cleveland's way of responding to the protest was by ordering an investigation into its legality. Further more into the annexation, Cleveland left office and was soon replaced by President William McKinley.
President William McKinley
President William McKinley was the 25th president of the United States. Only July 7th, 1898 President McKinley signed a bill to annex the Hawaiian Islands. When McKinley resumed his presidency in 1897, he had advocated the Hawaii annexation. Later throughout the year, McKinley tried to push a new annexation treaty through congress but failed. McKinley pressured senators to approve of annexation to fulfill the American destiny. Later on in the year, an annexation resolution supported by McKinley has made it all the way up to the house of representatives on May 4, 1898. The senate then passed the annexation on July 6. The day after, McKinley signed it. United states took possession of the Hawaiian Islands officially on August 12, 1898. The first territorial governor for Hawaii was established in 1900. The annexation, or overthrow, of the Hawaiian Kingdom is a really great illustration on how the United States matured on the world. McKinley's aggressive policy on Hawaii matched up with America's seizure of the Phlippines.
Minister John L. Stevens
John L. Stevens was the United States Minister to Hawai'i in 1893. On January 14, 1893 Stevens met with two men who were concerned about interests in the Pacific. Stevens had special orders for U.S marines and U.S sailors to go to the kingdom of Hawai'i. The request was also from the Committee of Safety which felt like there was a threat on many American lives. On the other hand, Steven was accused of ordering all requests on his own. He was always accused of using his powers in the wrong way, abusing the power he has. Stevens demanded that Queen Liliuokalani must be restored to her power. The President at that time, which was President Stanford Dole, refused to give power back to the Queen. Further more into it, Dole argued and announced that America has no right to interfere with Hawai'i.
Historical Significance
The overthrow of the Hawaiian kingdom, which took place on January 17, 1893, was one of America's most historical days and it was also one of America's saddest days. The overthrow also could not have been done if it wasn't for the Hawaiians' who fought for what they loved, and for those who were against the idea of fighting for it. The overthrow is a very important topic in history because before all the madness, Hawaii was well ruled by Kings and Queens. These Kings and Queens loved their kingdom and did whatever they could to satisfy the Hawaiians. And they also did whatever they could to keep the kingdom at its best. The long term significance of the annexation is the idea of America having all power of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It is no longer ruled by Hawaiians which I feel it should be.
Is Hawai'i legally and lawfully a state of the union
In my opinion, Hawai'i is legally and lawfully a state of the union. I say this because although the way it had to become a state of the union was done in a harsh way, it still is legally a state ever since the bill has been signed for its legality. I don't support the way it has been done to become a state but it still is a part of the United States.
Supplemental Information
The picture below shows the famous 'Iolani Palace. One of Hawaii's most historical remarks. The 'Iolani Palace is the only royal palace that is part of the United States. The palace was governed by King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani. After the overthrow in 1893, the palace was then used as a capitol building for provisional government, republic and territory until 1969. It was later then restored and opened up to the public as a museum in 1978.
Cites
"Hawaiian Annexation." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
"Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
"John L. Stevens." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
"The Overthrow of the Monarchy." The Overthrow of the Monarchy. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
"ʻIolani Palace." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.
"Miller Center." American President: American President. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2015.