Queen Lili’uokalani of Hawai’i Part 2: Paradise Lost | 12
Mar 11, 2024
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In this captivating discussion, Queen Lili'uokalani, the first and last monarch of Hawai’i, shares her inspiring journey as she confronts political battles and foreign threats. She discusses her struggles to reclaim sovereignty after her brother's death and the betrayal she faced from powerful sugar barons. Lili'uokalani reveals the intense emotions surrounding her abdication and reflects on her unwavering commitment to her people's rights. Throughout, she highlights her legacy and the ongoing fight for Hawaiian independence.
Queen Lili'uokalani's assertive demand for her ministers' resignation exemplified her fierce determination to reclaim Hawaiian sovereignty amid political strife.
Despite facing betrayal and the impending coup, Lili'uokalani remained committed to advocating for Native Hawaiian rights until her overthrow in 1893.
Deep dives
Queen Liliu Okalani's Rise to Power
In 1891, Queen Liliu Okalani became the first and last queen of Hawaii following her brother's death, marking a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history. Arriving at Iolani Palace for a government cabinet meeting, Liliu, dressed in mourning attire, asserted her authority by demanding the resignation of her ministers who had previously stripped the monarchy of significant power through the controversial bayonet constitution. This audacious act demonstrated her determination to reclaim her sovereignty, despite the ministers' attempts to resist her demands by insisting her actions were illegal. By capitalizing on a legal loophole that allowed her to replace the cabinet after her brother's death, Liliu took a significant step towards reinstating her power and re-establishing Native Hawaiian rights.
Political Turmoil and Resistance
As the newly appointed queen, Liliu faced ongoing political turmoil exacerbated by her advisors' treachery and the influence of American sugar barons in Hawaii. Despite her efforts to implement a new constitution that would reinstate voting rights for Native Hawaiians and restore her powers as monarch, her proposals were consistently blocked by her own cabinet, revealing a betrayal from within. Meanwhile, rumors and propaganda spread, accusing her of impropriety and undermining her authority, forcing her to confront both external and internal foes. Liliu's resolve strengthened as she vowed to continue her fight for her people, even as the coup against her authority began to take shape.
The Coup and House Arrest
In January 1893, armed American Marines marched to the palace, leading to Liliu's overthrow orchestrated by the Committee of Safety, backed by American interests. The coup culminated in the resignation of Liliu, who faced a difficult decision: to surrender to Sanford Dole, the new provisional president, or risk bloodshed among her people. Ultimately, she chose to confine herself to protect her subjects but did so with a glimmer of hope by appealing to the U.S. government for support. Unfortunately, Liliu's efforts resulted in just a temporary reprieve, as she was arrested soon after and placed under house arrest at Iolani Palace.
The Loss of Sovereignty
After being forced to abdicate her throne under duress, Queen Liliu Okalani's reign ended with the formal signing of her abdication document in 1895, marking the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty. Although she sought to secure amnesty for those who aided in her overthrow in exchange for her reinstatement, Dole's refusal and eventual establishment of a republic signified the final blow. The United States officially annexed Hawaii in 1898, cementing Liliu's defeat and the tragic end of her efforts for restoration. Nevertheless, Liliu's legacy endured as she spent her later years advocating for her people's rights, instilling hope and resilience despite the harsh realities of colonization.
This two-part series is all about Lili'uokalani, the first and last queen of the Kingdom of Hawai’i. In part one, Lili'uokalani came of age in the Hawaiian court and supported her brother when he became king. But when powerful foreigners forced through a new constitution that stripped rights from the Hawaiian people, Lili’uokalani refused to stay silent. Now, as queen, she’s set on becoming the ruler that Hawaiians really need – while she fights the men trying to steal her home, and her crown.
