Arts >> Books >> Literature

What did Sanford Dole and the missionary do in 1893?

In 1893, Sanford Dole, a lawyer and leader of the Committee of Safety, and a group of wealthy businessmen and missionaries (mostly American) overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy and established the Republic of Hawaii.

Here's a breakdown:

* The Committee of Safety: This was a group of American and European businessmen and missionaries who were concerned about Queen Lili'uokalani's attempts to strengthen the monarchy and restrict the influence of foreign interests.

* The Overthrow: On January 17, 1893, the Committee of Safety, with the support of U.S. Marines, staged a coup d'état and forced Queen Lili'uokalani to abdicate.

* Republic of Hawaii: Dole was then elected as the president of the newly formed Republic of Hawaii, which was essentially a pro-American government.

This event was highly controversial, as it was seen by many as a violation of Hawaiian sovereignty and a blatant act of American imperialism.

It's important to note that the roles of Sanford Dole and the missionaries were distinct:

* Sanford Dole: Dole was a prominent figure in the Committee of Safety and served as the first president of the Republic of Hawaii. He was a strong advocate for annexation to the United States.

* Missionaries: Missionaries played a significant role in influencing Hawaiian culture and society for many years. They were instrumental in promoting Western education, Christianity, and American values. While some missionaries supported the overthrow, others opposed it.

The 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy remains a contentious topic in both Hawaiian and American history, raising questions about colonialism, imperialism, and the legitimacy of the actions taken.

Literature

Related Categories