lilioukalani's attmept to change the Bayonet consitution?

Question

can you help me find information about this or just tell me some information about this plaese and thank you!

Answer 1

Foreign merchants (especially Americans) had begun to settle in the kingdom of Hawaii and buy up land for farming (particularly sugar) from the early1800's. The economic power of these merchants within the underdeveloped Hawaiian economy became very strong, and they were able to compel the Hawaiian government to keep granting them more and more favorable treaties and trading arrangements. But they wanted even more power to exploit the Hawaiians, and the monarchy stood in their way. In 1877, 400 American businessmen formed the "Hawaii League" and forced King Kalakaua to sign a new constitution (since nicknamed "The Bayonet Constitution" because it was obtained by force), which reduced the powers of the monarchy and also disenfranchised all except for the richest residents of Hawaii.

When King Kalakaua died in 1891, Liliuokalani became Queen. She tried to decree a new constitution that rescinded the Bayonet Constitution and restored power to the throne and rights to the native Hawaiian people.

But American missionaries and merchants plotted to overthrow the queen and to have Hawaii annexed by the United States. In 1893, backed by President Harrison and with the help of American troops, they succeeded. First, Hawaii was declared a provisional republic, led by Sanford B. Dole (of the pineapple family).

The Queen's supporters tried to rebel against the new "republic". She was arrested and forced to abdicate. Then she was sentenced to imprisonment.

Finally, in 1898, the US annexed Hawaii.

It was an exercise in naked imperialist power by the USA. Shameful, but not at all unlike the way the native American Indians had been treated. Manifest destiny at work.

Answer 2

She wanted power restored to the monarchy. The Bayonet Constitution was named because it had been signed under threat of force. Go to wikipedia for more details.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lilioukalani