PDF Summary:Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen, by Liliuokalani

Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen presents a firsthand account of the tumultuous final years of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Liliuokalani, Hawaii's last reigning monarch, details her noble lineage and the internal and external forces that stripped her family of political power. She recounts her imprisonment under the rule of the Provisional Government following the 1893 coup, and her unceasing efforts to have the United States restore her sovereignty.

Liliuokalani's memoir chronicles the evolving influence of American businesses and religious groups in Hawaiian affairs. It examines the key events, political maneuverings, and legal battles that ultimately led to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898, against the wishes of the indigenous people.

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In 1893, a coup resulted in the overthrow of Hawaii's reigning monarchy.

In this section, Liliuokalani details the critical happenings of 1893, focusing on the sequence of events that led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a temporary government with support from the United States.

The government was significantly destabilized due to the actions of Minister Stevens and the military's involvement.

Liliuokalani ascribes her removal from power primarily to the actions of John L. Stevens, the U.S. representative in Hawaii, and the unauthorized stationing of U.S. military personnel. The writer portrays Stevens as complicit with the faction determined to annex the territory, endorsing their plot to depose the royal government. She reproaches him for his prejudiced views towards her administration and his complete neglect of appropriate diplomatic procedures. Liliuokalani maintains that the crucial assistance provided by Stevens, whether overt or covert, was instrumental in enabling the illicit seizure of authority. She describes the deployment of American Marines from the USS Boston as a crucial demonstration of power that ensured the triumph of the coup by preventing any resistance from her government and its backers. Liliuokalani emphasizes the detrimental impact of external forces, particularly how the United States played a significant role in the unjust reduction of Hawaii's self-governance and aided in the overthrow of its rightful government.

Other Perspectives

• It is possible that the presence of the military was intended as a stabilizing force in a period of uncertainty, rather than a means to destabilize the government.
• The presence of the U.S. military does not necessarily imply direct support for the coup, as their orders were to remain neutral and protect American interests without intervening in the political affairs of Hawaii.
• Diplomatic procedures may have been perceived as inadequate or too slow in the face of the urgent political and economic interests at play, prompting Stevens to act outside of normal protocols.
• The success of the coup may have been due to the actions of the Committee of Safety and local support for annexation, rather than Stevens' involvement.
• The assumption that the Marines prevented resistance presupposes that there was a viable and organized force ready to support Liliuokalani, which may not have been the case; the lack of resistance could be due to a lack of coordinated support rather than the intimidation by foreign troops.
• The concept of "rightful government" is subjective and can be debated, as governance legitimacy can be viewed differently from various historical, cultural, and political perspectives.

Liliuokalani maintained a position of peaceful resistance, directing her plea toward the United States government.

Despite the presence of an armed revolt, Liliuokalani opted for a strategy of nonviolent opposition. The author recounts her efforts to avert conflict by relinquishing her authority, placing the destiny of Hawaii's royal governance in the hands of what she anticipated would be the fair and just judgment of the United States government. She emphasizes her deep belief that the United States would act impartially and restore the legitimate government. Liliuokalani underscored her firm opposition to the newly established Provisional Government, holding the belief that the United States would recognize the illegitimacy of the coup and help reinstate her authority. She documents her correspondence with President Harrison, emphasizing the sequence of events and seeking his support to maintain justice and protect the inherent rights of Hawaii's people.

Practical Tips

• Develop a personal code of conduct that emphasizes peaceful resolution and share it with friends or family. This code could include principles such as active listening, empathy, and the avoidance of aggression in disagreements. Sharing it helps to hold yourself accountable and also spreads the value of peaceful resistance to others.
• Develop a personal "authority affirmation" routine where you spend a few minutes each morning affirming your right to hold and express your opinions. You might stand in front of a mirror and remind yourself of your values, strengths, and past successes in handling conflict, which can boost your confidence in maintaining authority when needed.
• Develop a habit of reflecting on your decisions to assess their fairness by keeping a journal where you note down the outcomes of your choices and how they affected others. For instance, if you decided on a family activity, write down who enjoyed it and who didn't, and consider why. This can help you make more equitable decisions in the future by learning from past experiences.
• Start a journal where you reflect on instances where you have opposed a decision or a popular opinion in your personal life. This exercise can help you analyze your own values and the reasons behind your opposition. You might write about a time you disagreed with a workplace policy and how you addressed it.
• Engage in letter-writing to representatives to express the need for acknowledging and rectifying past wrongs. By articulating your stance and providing well-researched arguments, you contribute to the dialogue on a governmental level. For instance, you might write about the importance of teaching comprehensive history in schools or the need for official apologies and reparations for historical events.
• Create a social media campaign to raise awareness about a justice issue that resonates with you. Choose a platform that you're comfortable with and start by sharing facts, stories, and calls to action related to the cause. Use hashtags to increase visibility and encourage others to share your posts. This modern approach to advocacy harnesses the power of digital connectivity to spread your message and potentially influence public opinion and policy.
• Start a small-scale oral history project to preserve and share the stories of your community's past. Reach out to elders or long-time residents and record their memories and experiences, focusing on how the community has protected its rights and culture over time. This can be as simple as using your smartphone to record conversations and sharing them on a personal blog or social media.

Liliuokalani's efforts were directed toward restoring the royal authority and resisting the incorporation into another state.

This section of the story highlights Liliuokalani's steadfast efforts to restore her status as the ruler of Hawai'i and her persistent opposition to the annexation of the islands by the United States. She remained resolute in the face of significant obstacles, advocating for her people's entitlements and relentlessly striving to restore her country's self-governance.

After the government was deposed, Liliuokalani made several appeals to the United States.

In her account, Liliuokalani details her unwavering diplomatic efforts to overturn the illicit usurpation and reestablish her rightful position as the sovereign of Hawaii. The author describes her attempts to negotiate with different officials in the U.S. government, skillfully navigating the shifting political tides in Washington, despite facing significant opposition from proponents of Hawaii's statehood.

Liliuokalani composed letters to President Harrison, advocating for the restoration of the Hawaiian monarchy's rule.

Liliuokalani chronicled the circumstances of the coup in her communications with President Harrison, highlighting the assistance provided by US Minister Stevens to the rebels. In her letters, she underscores her nonviolent relinquishment of power, anticipating that the United States would recognize the illegitimacy of the overthrow and reinstate her to her sovereign status. She underscores the deep-rooted connections and mutual past with the United States, urging Harrison to recognize his responsibility to rectify the wrongs done to her and the people of Hawaii. She expresses the hope that Harrison, upon understanding the situation fully, would intervene to restore the legitimate government and protect the fundamental freedoms of her subjects.

Practical Tips

• Enhance your critical reading skills by analyzing the motives behind historical actions in current events. Choose a recent news article that discusses a political or social change and identify the key players involved. Write down their potential motives and compare them with historical examples of similar events. This practice can help you become more discerning about the underlying factors that drive contemporary events, drawing parallels with historical occurrences.
• Explore the impact of historical decisions on present-day scenarios by writing a fictional short story. Choose a pivotal moment in the history between Hawaii and the US and reimagine the outcome. This exercise can help you understand the long-term effects of political actions and the importance of addressing past injustices.
• You can learn to advocate effectively by practicing letter writing to your representatives about issues you care about. Start by researching a current issue that resonates with you, then draft a concise letter explaining the situation and suggesting a course of action. This exercise will help you understand the process of influencing decision-makers, much like Liliuokalani sought to do.

Liliuokalani continued her diplomatic endeavors throughout the administrations of President Cleveland and President McKinley.

Despite receiving no response from the administration in power, Liliuokalani continued her diplomatic endeavors when Grover Cleveland assumed the presidency. She is thankful for Cleveland's decision to retract the proposal for annexation set in motion by the provisional government and for selecting James Blount to investigate the circumstances leading to the downfall of her administration. She recognizes Cleveland's commitment to justice and his attempts to restore her rule, even though he faced opposition from lawmakers. Later, during President William McKinley's administration, Liliuokalani details her continuous efforts, highlighting the submission of appeals and official documents from advocates of Hawaiian sovereignty who insisted on the restoration of the royal governance. She underscores the unwavering support of the Hawaiian people, even though a powerful and prominent faction was in favor of annexation, reinforcing her persistent claim to the throne.

Practical Tips

• Develop a deeper understanding of political processes by following current diplomatic efforts between your country and others. Choose a specific diplomatic event, such as a summit or treaty negotiation, and track its progress over time. Take notes on the strategies used by diplomats, the compromises made, and the outcomes achieved. This will give you a practical framework for understanding how diplomacy evolves and is conducted at the highest levels.

Other Perspectives

• The retraction of the annexation proposal and the investigation might have raised false hopes among Liliuokalani and her supporters, potentially delaying the search for other solutions to the situation.
• Cleveland's attempts to restore Liliuokalani could be seen as ineffective or half-hearted, as they ultimately did not result in the reinstatement of her monarchy.
• The support for the monarchy might have been rooted in traditional and cultural ties rather than a practical assessment of the political situation, which could have implications for the feasibility of restoring the monarchy in a rapidly modernizing world.
• Liliuokalani's persistence in claiming the throne could be seen as a refusal to accept the changing political landscape and the will of the faction favoring annexation.

Liliuokalani's incarceration culminated in her relinquishing sovereignty to the provisional government.

This subsection recounts a grim period in Liliuokalani's life, detailing how she was wrongfully incarcerated by the interim rulers who employed forceful strategies to compel her to relinquish her throne. The writer offers a personal narrative of her imprisonment, detailing the mental strain she withstood and her fortitude amidst unfair treatment.

Coercive Tactics to Pressure Liliuokalani's "Abdication" Signing

Following an unsuccessful attempt to restore the Hawaiian monarchy in 1895, spearheaded by Robert Wilcox, the interim government apprehended Liliuokalani on charges of knowing about treasonous acts without reporting them. She describes the profound emotional distress she experienced during her detention, a time when she was held captive within the same boundaries over which she previously ruled, now under the control of those who had overthrown her. The author meticulously details the tactics used to pressure her into relinquishing her rule, highlighting the dangers her supporters faced, the deliberate denial of counsel, and the intentional withholding of international news from her. Liliuokalani highlights the severe mental anguish she endured, ultimately deciding to endorse the document while under coercion to safeguard her followers from the risk of capital punishment.

Context

• Robert Wilcox was a Hawaiian revolutionary who led several uprisings against the provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii, aiming to restore the monarchy.
• The psychological impact of being held in a place she once ruled, now controlled by her adversaries, would have been profound, affecting her sense of identity and agency.
• Her detention was part of broader efforts to suppress any resistance to the new government and to legitimize the overthrow by forcing her abdication.
• The role of the United States in supporting the provisional government was a critical factor in the power dynamics, as the presence of U.S. troops during the overthrow provided a significant advantage to those seeking to end the monarchy.
• Those who were identified as supporters of the queen could face confiscation of property, as the new regime sought to weaken the economic power of its opponents.
• The absence of legal support could increase psychological pressure, making it more difficult for her to resist coercion or make informed decisions under duress.
• By keeping her in the dark about international reactions, the government minimized the risk of external pressure that could have influenced their actions or policies.
• She faced a moral dilemma between standing firm in her beliefs and protecting her people, which would have caused significant internal conflict and stress.
• The provisional government threatened severe penalties, including execution, for those involved in the counter-revolution, creating a dire situation for Liliuokalani's supporters.

Liliuokalani's repudiation of the imposed government's legitimacy during her imprisonment.

Liliuokalani continued to contest the provisional government's legitimacy, despite being imprisoned and forced to relinquish her throne. She firmly opposed any attempts to legitimize their rule, maintaining that her forced relinquishment of the throne lacked any lawful validity. She unwaveringly rejected the legitimacy of the Provisional Government, emphasizing her deep-seated belief in her natural royal entitlements and her commitment to the principles of a constitutional monarchy. Liliuokalani asserts her resolve to be recognized by her traditional royal title instead of her married name, subtly yet powerfully signaling her non-recognition of the interim authority's rule.

Context

• During her imprisonment, Liliuokalani was held at Iolani Palace, which was the royal residence and a symbol of Hawaiian sovereignty.
• The use of her royal title instead of her married name could also be seen as a legal assertion of her status as the rightful monarch, which had implications for international recognition and diplomatic relations.

Other Perspectives

• The practical governance of a nation might necessitate the acceptance of a de facto government for the sake of stability and order, regardless of its origins.
• Some may argue that the abdication of the throne, even under duress, was a formal act that provided the Provisional Government with a legal basis for its authority.
• The concept of "natural royal entitlements" is inherently undemocratic, as it suggests a right to rule based on birth rather than the consent of the governed.

Liliuokalani's unsuccessful attempts to reinstate autonomous rule in Hawaii.

This section chronicles Liliuokalani's continued fight to restore Hawaiian independence following her release from prison. The author recounts her continuous efforts to reclaim Hawaii's sovereignty, facing obstacles both domestically and from the international community.

Hawaii Annexed As U.S. Territory Despite Liliuokalani's Protests

Efforts by the queen to garner support for the restoration of the monarchy continued, yet the group advocating for annexation remained steadfast in their efforts, bolstered by prominent American figures. Liliuokalani expresses her deep dismay upon realizing that her appeals to U.S. officials went unheeded, emphasizing the biased investigations conducted by the U.S. Senate which led to the endorsement of Hawaii's annexation by the United States under President McKinley's administration in 1898. She emphasizes that Hawaii's annexation by the United States was undemocratic and intentionally sidelined the indigenous people of Hawaii, highlighting the absence of genuine approval by the island's residents for such a move. Liliuokalani's protest against the treaty, outlining its numerous legal and moral flaws, serves as a strong condemnation of the injustices endured by the Hawaiian populace.

Practical Tips

• Engage in role-playing games that simulate historical scenarios with friends or family. Create a game where players must navigate a political landscape, make decisions as leaders of a resistance movement, or as advocates for change, similar to the annexation group in Hawaii. This interactive approach will give you a personal sense of the challenges and strategies involved in such historical events.
• Develop a habit of documenting your appeals or requests in writing to create a record that can be referenced later. Whenever you make a significant request, such as asking for a raise or proposing a new idea at work, follow up with an email summarizing the conversation and your key points. This not only reinforces your message but also provides a paper trail that can be useful if your request is initially overlooked.
• You can analyze current legislative processes by following a bill's journey through Congress to understand how bias might influence today's laws. Start by selecting a current bill, track its progress on the official Congress website, and note any discrepancies in media reporting or apparent biases in the testimonies and debates. This will give you a firsthand look at how bias can shape legislation, similar to historical events.
• Explore the impact of historical decisions on your local community by researching a significant event in your town's history and its long-term effects. For example, if your town expanded a highway 50 years ago, investigate how this has influenced local businesses, traffic patterns, and community development. This can give you a sense of how historical policies can shape communities over time, similar to the annexation of Hawaii.
• Support indigenous Hawaiian businesses and initiatives by purchasing products made by native Hawaiians and donating to organizations that advocate for their rights. This can be a direct way to contribute to the welfare of the indigenous community and help preserve their culture. Look for certifications or labels that indicate the business is native Hawaiian-owned, and research organizations that work towards protecting native Hawaiian land and rights.
• Improve your empathy and understanding of minority viewpoints by engaging in conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. Seek out community forums, online discussion groups, or local meetups where you can listen to and discuss historical and current events. Pay special attention to the reasons behind their approval or disapproval of certain actions, which can provide a more nuanced view of societal consensus.
• Create a virtual discussion group with friends or community members to debate and reflect on the fairness and legality of local policies, fostering a collective understanding of civic responsibility. This will help you and your group develop a more nuanced perspective on how laws and regulations affect your community. You might discuss topics like zoning laws, school district policies, or local government decisions, evaluating their implications from both a legal standpoint and a moral one.
• Start a book swap with friends or community members focusing on historical narratives from multiple perspectives. This can broaden your understanding of history beyond the dominant narrative. Choose books that offer insights into the experiences of indigenous peoples or those affected by colonialism, ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard and discussed.

Liliuokalani's legacy continues to be honored, with her esteemed status stemming from her role as the last monarch of Hawaii's island chain.

Liliuokalani's enduring legacy, characterized by her unwavering bravery, resolve, and profound dedication to her people, is encapsulated in her role as the ultimate monarch of her nation, despite her inability to restore her country's independence. Her memoir stands as a moving representation of the adversities faced by the indigenous population of Hawaii and bears witness to her steadfast commitment to advocating for Hawaii's sovereignty. The account given by Liliuokalani emphasizes the importance of peaceful resistance in the face of oppression and highlights the moral responsibility of powerful nations to respect the autonomy of smaller states.

Practical Tips

• You can honor historical figures by naming personal projects or creations after them. If you're into gardening, you might name a newly cultivated plant variety after Liliuokalani to pay homage to her legacy. Similarly, if you're a writer or artist, you could title a piece of work in her honor, which subtly educates others about her significance when they inquire about the name's origin.
• Show dedication to your community by initiating a "Skill-Share Saturday" where you and your neighbors exchange services or teach each other new skills. This could range from gardening tips to basic home repairs, fostering a sense of service and community bonding, reflecting the idea of dedication to one's people.
• Create a digital scrapbook or blog that documents stories of sovereignty from around the world. Use online resources to find instances where communities have fought for their rights and compile these into a shareable format. This project not only educates you but also spreads awareness about the importance of sovereignty on a global scale.
• Start a reading group focused on literature from smaller states to appreciate their unique perspectives. This can help you and your peers understand the values, history, and culture of smaller states, which is a step towards respecting their autonomy. You could select books written by authors from these states or about these states, facilitating discussions that highlight their sovereignty and the importance of respecting it.

The evolution and administration of the Hawaiian archipelago, which ultimately led to its annexation by the United States.

The text provides a broader historical context for understanding the political events experienced by Liliuokalani. In her account, we witness the political terrain of Hawaii undergo a shift from an independent country through the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, culminating in its forced annexation by the United States.

The evolution of Hawaii's political system throughout the time of its royal leadership.

Liliuokalani traces the transformation of Hawai'i's governance from its traditional roots to an established constitutional framework, highlighting the influence that foreign counselors had in this transition. The author discusses various key constitutions that were enacted, highlighting how power dynamics shifted during these transitions.

The 1840 Constitutions broadened the extent of the monarch's authority.

Liliuokalani provides an in-depth analysis of the governance documents from 1840 and 1852, noting that while they imposed constitutional restrictions on the monarchy, they still maintained significant power for the sovereign. She notes that the creation of these constitutions involved teamwork with counselors, including missionaries, who sought to integrate Western political concepts with the traditional societal frameworks native to Hawaii. Liliuokalani argues that although the government's framework was updated, these constitutions fundamentally preserved the authority of the monarchs.

Other Perspectives

• The 1840 Constitution provided for shared governance with the establishment of advisory councils, which could dilute the monarch's power rather than expand it.
• The term "teamwork" suggests an equal partnership, but there may have been a power imbalance between the Hawaiian counselors and the missionaries, which could have affected the degree of integration between Western and native Hawaiian concepts.
• The term "fundamentally preserving" is subjective and could be contested based on how one defines the essential elements of monarchical authority; what constitutes a fundamental preservation to one observer might be seen as a significant alteration by another.

Kamehameha V instituted the 1864 constitution, which contained the laws commonly known by the moniker "The Bayonet Constitution."

Liliuokalani offers insights into the resolute and assertive manner in which King Kamehameha V governed, particularly when he proclaimed the 1864 constitution. She underscores her dedication to maintaining the distinctiveness of Hawaii's royal institution within its governance structure, highlighting the strengthening of sovereign power through constitutional actions. Liliuokalani vehemently denounced the 1887 constitution, which advocates for annexation forced upon her sibling, King Kalakaua, emphasizing its oppressive and unfair characteristics. She argues that the introduction of the charter was a deliberate strategy aimed at undermining the sovereign's power, which eventually resulted in the country's annexation by transferring governance to a cabinet significantly influenced by foreign interests.

Context

• Kamehameha V, who reigned from 1863 to 1872, introduced the 1864 Constitution to replace the 1852 Constitution. It centralized power by abolishing the office of Kuhina Nui (a position similar to a prime minister) and increased the king's authority.

Other Perspectives

• The term "resolute and assertive" might not fully capture the complexity of King Kamehameha V's governance, which also involved navigating pressures from both foreign interests and internal factions.
• The focus on preserving the royal institution might have been seen as prioritizing traditional hierarchy over the potential benefits of modern governance reforms that could have introduced new ideas and efficiencies.
• The constitution may have been perceived as strengthening sovereign power, but it also codified certain rights for the citizens, which can be interpreted as a balance to absolute monarchical power.
• Liliuokalani's criticism of the 1887 constitution may be influenced by her personal and royal perspective, which might not fully account for the broader political and social context of Hawaii at the time.
• Some may argue that the 1887 constitution was not entirely oppressive, as it did grant broader voting rights to residents of European and American descent, which could be interpreted as an expansion of democratic principles, albeit in a way that favored those particular groups.
• The changes in the 1887 constitution could be interpreted as a response to economic and social pressures of the time, aiming to balance the interests of various groups within the kingdom, including foreign residents and business interests.

Economic and Political Interests Driving Annexation

Liliuokalani examines the key factors that fueled the campaign to incorporate Hawaii into another nation, highlighting the blend of financial incentives and strategic intentions. She underscores the pivotal role played by prominent figures in Hawaii's business community, particularly those involved in the burgeoning sugar industry, in propelling the push for Hawaii to become a state annexed to the United States.

American commercial enterprises and missionary endeavors significantly influenced Hawaii's political landscape.

Liliuokalani argues that influential American business figures, often connected to Hawaiian missionary work, were primarily driving the effort to incorporate Hawaii into the United States to safeguard their economic interests and increase their influence over political affairs. She underscores the significant influence of individuals like Lorrin Thurston, who shifted from religious missions to sugar farming and ultimately to political engagement, in orchestrating the overthrow and subsequent initiatives aimed at incorporating Hawaii into the United States. The author emphasizes how these individuals leveraged their economic clout, political connections, and influence over the media to advance their annexationist agenda.

Context

• As the owner of the Pacific Commercial Advertiser (now the Honolulu Star-Advertiser), Thurston wielded significant media influence, using the newspaper to promote annexationist views and sway public opinion in favor of U.S. annexation.
• Lorrin A. Thurston was a key figure in the political history of Hawaii. He was born in Hawaii to American missionary parents, which gave him a unique perspective and influence in both the local and American communities.
• Hawaii's location in the Pacific Ocean was seen as strategically important for military and trade purposes. The U.S. government and military leaders recognized the value of having a naval base at Pearl Harbor to project power and protect American interests in the Pacific.
• Many of the American businessmen and missionaries had established strong relationships with U.S. politicians and government officials. These connections were used to lobby for policies favorable to annexation, including influencing decisions in Washington, D.C.

The autonomy of Hawaii was eroded due to the increasing presence of military forces.

Liliuokalani highlights how Hawaii's autonomous governance was progressively weakened through coercion and the conspicuous exhibition of military power, paving the way for its eventual absorption into a larger body. She recounts the significant role played by a militia, predominantly composed of newcomers, in pressuring the monarchy and enforcing the acceptance of the Bayonet Constitution. Liliuokalani condemns Stevens for deploying US Marines from the USS Boston, which she contends was an overt display of force that intimidated her government, quashed potential resistance, and emboldened the rebels. Liliuokalani emphasizes that the annexation resulted from forceful pressure and does not represent the genuine wishes or intentions of the Hawaiian people.

Other Perspectives

• Hawaii's loss of autonomy can also be attributed to internal political dynamics and the influence of economic interests, not solely the presence of military forces.
• The militia's influence on the monarchy may have been less about coercion and more about reflecting the interests of a significant segment of the population, including both newcomers and some native Hawaiians who favored constitutional reform.
• The actions taken by Stevens could be argued as aligning with the foreign policy of the United States at the time, which may have prioritized expansion and influence over the autonomy of distant territories.
• The concept of "genuine wishes" is complex, as public opinion can be divided; therefore, it is possible that there was no unanimous stance among the Hawaiian people regarding annexation.

The complex procedures of law and diplomacy associated with incorporating Hawaii.

Liliuokalani outlines the complex legal maneuvers and international discussions that ultimately led to Hawaii becoming a part of the United States, highlighting the varied approaches taken by U.S. Presidents such as Grover Cleveland and William McKinley. She scrutinizes the justifications given by the participants, highlighting that the Hawaiian people did not genuinely agree to the actions taken.

President Cleveland played a pivotal role in delaying and challenging the incorporation of Hawaii into the United States.

Liliuokalani expresses her appreciation for the principled position taken by President Cleveland, which led to a pause in the annexation process of Hawai’i. She commends his decision to withdraw the annexation proposal, a plan set in motion by the Harrison administration, and his appointment of James Blount to investigate the events leading up to the deposition of the Hawaiian monarchy. She notes that President Cleveland, upon realizing the United States government's role in the overthrow, took steps to restore her to the throne, demonstrating his commitment to justice and respect for globally recognized legal standards. Liliuokalani acknowledged that Cleveland's efforts, despite failing due to Congressional opposition, provided valuable time and kept alive a slim chance for Hawaii to regain its autonomy.

Context

• Upon taking office, President Grover Cleveland was informed of the questionable circumstances surrounding the overthrow. He appointed James Blount as a special commissioner to investigate the events, leading to the Blount Report, which confirmed the involvement of U.S. officials in the coup.

Other Perspectives

• Cleveland's actions may have been motivated by political expediency or other domestic considerations rather than principled positions on justice and legal standards.
• While Cleveland withdrew the proposal, it could be argued that he did not take sufficient or effective steps to counteract the forces pushing for annexation, which may suggest a lack of commitment or ability to influence the long-term outcome.
• The investigation led by James Blount was not a judicial proceeding and therefore might not have had the authority to make definitive legal judgments about the legitimacy of the Hawaiian monarchy's deposition.
• President Cleveland's actions, while perhaps well-intentioned, could be seen as paternalistic, assuming that the United States had the right or duty to intervene in the governance of another sovereign nation.
• President Cleveland's opposition in Congress was not monolithic; there were likely some members who supported his stance on Hawaii.
• President Cleveland's intervention may have inadvertently prolonged the uncertainty and instability in Hawaii, as the delay in the annexation process could have led to further political and economic turmoil.

The ratification of the agreement took place while McKinley was president.

Liliuokalani was profoundly disheartened when President McKinley gave his unequivocal support to the treaty for annexation in 1898. She criticizes the US Senate for their superficial investigations that disproportionately favored the narratives of the coup plotters, while overlooking the detailed accounts and viewpoints of the native people of Hawaii. She emphasizes the complete neglect of previous agreements, the total denial of the native Hawaiians' rights to their lands, and the complete lack of an opportunity for her people to determine their own future. The writer argues that the incorporation of Hawaii into the United States sidestepped the usual democratic procedures, highlighting the influence of powerful business interests and the exploitation of an opportune time, rather than a genuine desire to incorporate Hawaii based on the principles of autonomy and the consent of its inhabitants.

Context

• The annexation was controversial because it bypassed the usual treaty ratification process, instead using a joint resolution of Congress, which required a simple majority rather than a two-thirds Senate majority.

Other Perspectives

• The term "unequivocal support" might oversimplify the political process and McKinley's position, which could have been more nuanced and subject to change over time.
• The Senate's approach could be defended on the grounds that it was consistent with the expansionist policies of the United States during that period, which were widely accepted by American policymakers and the public.
• The Senate's investigations could have been perceived as comprehensive by the standards of the time, reflecting the norms and practices of due diligence in the late 19th century.
• Previous agreements may have been considered but deemed no longer applicable due to changing political, social, or economic circumstances.
• The political context of the late 19th century, including strategic interests and international relations, played a significant role in the decision-making process, which can be argued as a form of realpolitik rather than a bypass of democratic procedures.
• Some argue that the annexation was a reflection of the prevailing ideology of Manifest Destiny, which held that the expansion of the United States was both justified and inevitable.
• The annexation process was conducted through formal treaties and negotiations, which, according to the standards of the time, were considered legal and legitimate means of acquiring territory.