Loss of Sovereignty - the Overthrow

About this video

• Video Title: Loss of Sovereignty - the Overthrow
• Channel: Noah (Keola) Ryan
• Speakers: Noah (Keola) Ryan
• Duration: 00:58:04

Overview

This video details the historical events leading to the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the subsequent loss of Hawaiian sovereignty. It covers earlier foreign intrusions, the "Poʻe Affair," the "Bayonet Constitution," and the eventual overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893, highlighting the economic and political motivations behind these events.

Key takeaways

• Historical Context: The video traces the erosion of Hawaiian sovereignty through foreign interventions, starting with incidents like the "Lass Affair" in 1839 and the "Poʻe Affair" in 1843, which demonstrated early attempts by foreign powers to exert influence.
• The Bayonet Constitution (1887): This constitution, forced upon King Kalākaua, significantly stripped the monarchy of its power, limited voting rights, and shifted control towards foreign interests, particularly American businessmen.
• Economic Drivers: The pursuit of profitable sugar trade with the United States was a primary motivation for foreign powers and businessmen seeking to annex Hawaii or gain control of its government.
• Overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani (1893): The video details how the Committee of Safety, in conjunction with the US Minister to Hawaii, John L. Stevens, and US Marines, orchestrated the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani when she attempted to enact a new constitution that would restore power to Native Hawaiians.
• Queen Liliʻuokalani's Role: Despite facing a powerful opposition and a weakened government, Queen Liliʻuokalani is presented as a steadfast leader who conditionally surrendered to the US to avoid bloodshed, similar to a historical precedent set by King Kamehameha III during the "Poʻe Affair." She continued to fight for her people's rights even after the overthrow.