Queen Liliuokalani ascended to the throne in 1891 after her brother died, becoming Hawaii's only reigning queen. At first, the Americans who lived on the islands were pleased, expecting that because of her missionary training in American ways, she would back them. They underestimated her. One of her first acts, done at the request of her people, was to overthrow the constitution,which had favored the white planters. The so-called Bayonet Treaty had been forced on her brother by an armed militia, and severely limited the powers of the monarchy. It also disenfranchised three-fourths of the natives, while giving the vote to most European and American men, even if they were not citizens. The planters accelerated their demands to have Hawaii annexed by the United States. On Jan. 14, 1893, Lili'uokalani dissolved the existing legislature and put forth her new constitution. On the 16th, 162 troops of armed marines arrived in Honolulu on the pretext of protecting Americans, and seized all important buildings, including the palace. The next day, Lili'uokalani surrendered her kingdom to the United States at gunpoint, issuing the following statement: "I yield to the superior force of the United States of America. Now, to avoid any collision of armed forces and perhaps the loss of life, I do, under this protest, and impelled by said force, yield my authority until such time as the government of the United States shall undo the action of its representative and reinstate me." The Hawaiian flag was lowered and the American flag was raised over the palace. Eighteen men, mostly American sugar farmers, declared themselves a "provisional government" with approval from the U.S. minister, John L. Stevens. Sanford B. Dole, leader of the coup, became president and asked the United States for annexation. Plans were made to try the queen for treason, accused of inspiring a native riot protesting the takeover. She was put on trial in her former throne room, and sentenced to five years in prison. She served eight months under house arrest before being released on parole. She then traveled to the United States to protest, but without success. President Grover Cleveland, newly elected, fired Stevens after an investigation which showed the "revolution" was American-led, and did not have the approval of most natives. On Dec. 18, 1893, he told Congress, "By an act of war, committed with the participation of a diplomatic representative of the United States and without authority of Congress, the government of a friendly people has been overthrown. A substantial wrong has been done, which a due regard for our national character, as well as the rights of the injured people, requires we should endeavor to repair." Cleveland sent a new minister to restore the queen to power. Dole refused to surrender. The president reluctantly recognized the government, not wanting to use force, but refused annexation. Dole acted quickly to restrict voting rights to a few, nearly all white and wealthy. On July 4, 1894, the planters created the Republic of Hawaii, with a new constitution. Later, largely based on Hawaii's military value, President William McKinley made Hawaii a territory in 1900, with statehood in 1959. 1998 is the one hundredth anniversary of the annexation and the battle cry is "Not a state in '98!" There is a move to restore Hawaii to its independent state, and to return the queen's descendant's to the throne. In fact, in 1996, natives voted 3-1 in favor of returning to nationhood. In 1993, President Clinton signed a formal apology to the people of Hawaii for stealing their country. He did not, however, offer to give it back.
Note: The American Experience program on the queen will be rebroadcast the week of Mar. 22 on PBS. Check your local listings and check out their web site from my Top 5 sites list. Women's History Editor: Terrie Bittner E-mail: bittner@prodigy.net Homepage:http://www.geocities.com/athens/oracle/4336 Copyright 1998, i5ive communications inc. Please read the Suite101.com Disclaimer.