Breakdown:
1. Setting the Stage: A Thriving Kingdom
- Hawaii’s Sovereignty: In 1893, Hawaii was a prosperous and independent kingdom under the leadership of Queen Liliuokalani, who governed a culturally rich and politically stable nation.
- Strategic Importance: The islands’ prime location and fertile land made Hawaii a target for foreign economic and military interests, particularly American sugar plantation owners.
2. The Coup: Greed in Action
- Economic Motivations: American plantation owners, driven by the desire to maximize their profits and avoid tariffs, conspired to take control of the islands.
- Military Backing: With support from U.S. Marines, these plantation owners staged a coup, pressuring the queen to relinquish her throne under duress. This marked a blatant disregard for Hawaii’s sovereignty and the will of its people.
3. Resistance Ignored
- Hawaiian Opposition: The native Hawaiian population actively resisted annexation. An astounding 38,000 Hawaiians signed petitions opposing U.S. plans, a massive movement of defiance for the time.
- Dismissal of Voices: Despite the overwhelming protest, the U.S. government ignored these petitions, prioritizing its imperial ambitions over the autonomy of the Hawaiian people.
4. Illegal Annexation
- No Treaty, No Vote: In 1898, Hawaii was formally annexed by the U.S. through the Newlands Resolution, which bypassed the need for a treaty or the consent of the Hawaiian population.
- Violation of International Norms: This act represented an illegal seizure of land and the erasure of a nation’s sovereignty, leaving a legacy of injustice and displacement.
5. Ongoing Consequences
- Cultural Erasure: The annexation led to the suppression of native Hawaiian culture, language, and governance. The once-independent kingdom became a symbol of U.S. imperialism.
- Economic and Social Disparities: Native Hawaiians have faced systemic marginalization, with economic and health disparities persisting to this day.
6. Why Isn’t This Taught in Schools?
- Sanitized Narratives: U.S. history curricula often omit uncomfortable truths about imperialism, presenting expansion as a natural and benevolent process.
- Political Convenience: Acknowledging Hawaii’s illegal annexation would challenge the legitimacy of U.S. claims and complicate the nation’s self-image.
7. Reckoning with History
- Recognizing Injustice: Acknowledging the overthrow of Hawaii as an act of imperialism is the first step toward justice.
- Restoration Efforts: Advocating for Hawaiian self-determination, reparations, and the revival of cultural practices is essential in addressing this historical wrong.
- Educational Reform: Including Hawaii’s history in school curricula would promote a more honest and inclusive understanding of America’s past.
Conclusion
The 1893 overthrow of Hawaii was a calculated act of imperialism that silenced the will of its people and erased its sovereignty. The annexation serves as a stark reminder of how economic greed and military power were wielded to expand U.S. influence. To truly reckon with this history, the story of Hawaii must be told, taught, and addressed with honesty and accountability.