Why did the US overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii?

Kamehameha I (c. 1761 –1819)

In 1810, Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great, conquered the Hawaiian Islands and formally established the Kingdom of Hawaii. By developing alliances with the major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawaii's independence under his rule.

Kamehameha II (1797–1824)

Upon his death in 1819, Kamehameha I was succeeded by his son, Kamehameha II. At just 22 years of age, Kamehameha's power and influence was limited and his reign was largely controlled by Ka'ahumanu, the queen consort of his father.

Queen Kamāmalu (1802–1824)

Kamehameha II was married to Kamāmalu. She was one of four wives, but, as Kamehameha's favorite, Kamāmalu was anointed Queen Consort of the Hawaiian Islands, though Ka'ahumanu kept a watchful eye over them both.    

Hawaiian royalty visits British royalty

In 1823, Kamehameha II and Kamāmalu left the Sandwich Islands, as they were then known, for Great Britain, arriving there in May 1824 for a state visit with King George IV (pictured). The couple, the first Hawaiian monarchs to visit England, were fêted by London high society, with Kamāmalu in particular turning heads with her striking beauty and decorative turban headwear. But then tragedy struck.

Kamehameha III (1814–1854)

Kamehameha II was succeeded by his younger brother Kauikeaouli, who became King Kamehameha III in June 1825. He's pictured with Queen Kalama, along with his niece and nephews.

The kingdom's longest-reigning monarch

Kamehameha III was the longest-reigning monarch in the history of the kingdom, ruling for 29 years and 192 days. His desire was the careful balancing of modernization by adopting Western ways while keeping his nation intact.

Seeking trade deals beyond the United States

In an effort to limit Hawaii's dependence on American trade and commerce, Kamehameha IV sought deals with the British and other European governments. While he didn't live to long enough to make them, battle lines had been drawn.

A revival of traditional customs

Kamehameha V was the first king to encourage the revival of traditional practices, a move made in part to counter ever-increasing outside influence. Many Americans in Hawaii were convinced that he had adopted an anti-American policy.

The queen that wasn't

Like his predecessor, Lunalilo did not designate an heir to the throne. He had nearly married Queen Dowager Emma, the widow of Kamehameha IV, and came close to naming her as heir apparent.

Reciprocity Treaty of 1875

During Kalākaua's reign, relations between the islands and the United States actually warmed. The free trade agreement known as the Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 was signed, which facilitated access to the US market for sugar and other products grown in the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Anti-monarchist sentiment

In the mid-1880s, the first cracks in the Kingdom of Hawaii appeared. Anti-monarchists wanted to strip the Hawaiian monarchy of much of its authority and initiate a transfer of power to a coalition of American, European, and Native Hawaiian people. The move was supported by members of the Hawaiian League, which had secretly desired the end of the kingdom and its annexation by the United States since its inception. The league's members included Hawaii-born lawyer and jurist Sanford B. Dole.

Assassination fears

Anticipating a coup d'état and even fearing assassination, Kalākaua sought refuge inside the ʻIolani Palace. The Bayonet Constitution allowed the monarch to appoint his cabinet, but placed that cabinet under the sole authority of the legislature.

Queen Liliʻuokalani (1838–1917)

Kalākaua's sibling Queen Liliʻuokalani ascended to the throne on January 29, 1891, nine days after her brother's death. She immediately attempted to draft a new constitution that would restore the power of the monarchy and the voting rights of the economically disenfranchised. But the Kingdom of Hawaii was on borrowed time.

Liliʻuokalani ordered to relinquish her power

Together with other pro-American elements, the Marines surrounded the royal palace and issued an ultimatum to the beleaguered monarch torelinquish her power and role as Queen of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The alternative was to have her subjects face violence at the hands of militia units aligned with the so-called Committee of Safety, led by Thurston.

Republic of Hawaii

With the Hawaiian monarchy officially abolished, the Republic of Hawaii was declared. Sanford B. Dole became the territory's first president. He's pictured with his cabinet.

Death of the last sovereign of Hawaii

She was later imprisoned and formally abdicated her throne on January 24, 1895, in return for the release (and commutation of the death sentences) of her jailed supporters. Liliʻuokalan, the last sovereign of Hawaii, died on November 11, 1917.

Hawaii formally annexed by the US

On July 7, 1898, the Hawaiian Islands were were formally annexed by the United States. The resolution took effect on August 12 of that same year.