How was Queen Liliuokalani removed from power? The removal of Queen Liliuokalani from her throne in 1893 is a significant event in the history of Hawaii, marking the end of the Hawaiian monarchy and the beginning of a new era of American influence. This article delves into the circumstances that led to her ousting and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Hawaii.
Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, ascended to the throne in 1891 after the death of her brother, King Kalakaua. Her reign was marked by a series of constitutional conflicts and political turmoil. The native Hawaiian population, which had been suffering from the loss of land and autonomy, looked to Queen Liliuokalani as a symbol of hope and resistance against American and European interests in Hawaii.
The events leading to her removal began in 1893 when a group of American and European businessmen, known as the Committee of Safety, felt that the queen was too lenient towards native Hawaiian rights and too influenced by the Hawaiian monarchy’s advisors. They believed that the only way to secure Hawaii’s future as a profitable colony for the United States was to establish a republic under their control.
On January 17, 1893, a group of these businessmen, along with a detachment of the United States Marines, forcibly entered the Iolani Palace and took the queen and her cabinet into custody. This event, known as the “Occupy Iolani Palace,” marked the beginning of the end for the Hawaiian monarchy.
Queen Liliuokalani was held captive in her own palace for several days before being moved to a residence in Waikiki. During this time, the Committee of Safety organized a provisional government, which was recognized by the United States government. The provisional government, led by Sanford B. Dole, was instrumental in pushing for the overthrow of the monarchy.
On January 22, 1893, the queen was formally deposed, and the Hawaiian monarchy was declared dissolved. The provisional government then worked to establish the Republic of Hawaii, which was recognized by the United States and other foreign powers. Queen Liliuokalani was exiled to San Francisco, where she spent the remainder of her life advocating for the restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy.
The removal of Queen Liliuokalani from power was a complex event, involving a combination of political intrigue, economic interests, and racial tensions. While the queen was seen as a symbol of resistance by many native Hawaiians, her reign was also marked by internal conflicts and a struggle to maintain the island’s sovereignty. The overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Republic of Hawaii had profound and lasting effects on the Hawaiian people and their relationship with the United States.
