What did the queen of Hawaii believe the United States would end up doing? Was she right?
The Queen of Hawaii, Lili'uokalani, believed that the United States would eventually annex Hawaii as a territory. She was right in her belief as Hawaii was indeed annexed by the United States in 1898, becoming a territory before eventually becoming the 50th state in 1959.
Beliefs of the Queen of Hawaii
Lili'uokalani, the last monarch and queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii, had deep concerns about the growing influence of the United States in her country. She ascended to the throne in 1891 after the death of her brother, King Kalākaua. During her reign, she faced political opposition from foreigners, primarily American and European residents in Hawaii, who held significant economic power.
Lili'uokalani believed that the United States, particularly American sugar planters and business interests, were seeking to gain control of Hawaii for their own benefit. She saw the annexation of Hawaii as a real threat to the sovereignty of her kingdom. Despite her efforts to strengthen the monarchy and resist foreign interference, the political situation in Hawaii at that time made it increasingly difficult for her to maintain power.
In January 1893, a group of American and European residents, with the support of the United States diplomatic and military representatives, staged a coup against the queen, leading to her overthrow and the establishment of a provisional government. Lili'uokalani was forced to abdicate under protest, believing that the United States would eventually annex Hawaii.
Annexation of Hawaii
Lili'uokalani's fears were realized when the United States formally annexed Hawaii on July 7, 1898. The annexation followed the Spanish-American War, during which Hawaii served as a strategic naval base for the United States. The islands' strategic location in the Pacific Ocean and their economic potential, particularly in sugarcane and pineapple production, made Hawaii an attractive territory for the United States to acquire.
The annexation of Hawaii was controversial both in the islands and on the mainland. While some Americans supported the annexation for economic and strategic reasons, others criticized the actions of the U.S. government as imperialistic and unjust. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the annexation of Hawaii without the consent of the indigenous people sparked debates about sovereignty, self-determination, and the rights of native peoples.
Legacy of Lili'uokalani
Despite facing adversity and the loss of her kingdom, Queen Lili'uokalani remained a symbol of resistance and resilience for the people of Hawaii. She advocated for the preservation of Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions, promoting a sense of national identity and pride among her fellow Hawaiians.
In 1993, on the centennial of the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution acknowledging and apologizing for the role of the United States in the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The resolution recognized the injustices committed against the Hawaiian people and the lasting impact of the annexation on the indigenous population.
Queen Lili'uokalani's legacy continues to inspire efforts to uphold the rights and dignity of Native Hawaiians, protect their cultural heritage, and seek justice for historical wrongs. Her commitment to her people and her unwavering belief in the sovereignty of Hawaii have left a lasting imprint on the history of the islands and the struggles of indigenous peoples worldwide.