John Stevens Role In Annexation Of Hawaii

Here's a comprehensive article about John L. Stevens and his role in the annexation of Hawaii.

John L. Stevens and the Annexation of Hawaii: A Diplomat's Controversial Legacy

The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 remains a complex and controversial event in both American and Hawaiian history. At the center of this pivotal moment stands John Leavitt Stevens, the United States Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii during a period of intense political upheaval. Stevens' actions and decisions were instrumental in paving the way for annexation, yet his legacy is fraught with accusations of overreach, conspiracy, and the undermining of a sovereign nation. Understanding Stevens' role requires a deep dive into the political climate of the late 19th century, the motivations of various actors involved, and the long-lasting consequences of his actions.

Stevens, a man of strong convictions and expansionist views, arrived in Hawaii in 1889 during a period of significant social, economic, and political change. The Hawaiian Kingdom, once a powerful and independent nation, was grappling with the increasing influence of American and European business interests, particularly in the sugar industry. These foreign entrepreneurs, often referred to as the "Big Five," held immense economic power and sought greater political control to protect their investments and maximize profits.

Early Life and Career of John L. Stevens

Born in Mount Vernon, Maine, in 1820, John L. Stevens had a diverse background before entering the world of diplomacy. He was a minister, journalist, and politician, which shaped his worldview and provided him with valuable skills in communication and persuasion. Stevens' early career involved writing for newspapers and serving in the Maine State Legislature. His strong Republican affiliations and his support for expansionist policies led to his appointment as the U.S. Minister to Hawaii by President Benjamin Harrison in 1889.

His arrival in Honolulu marked the beginning of a critical chapter in Hawaiian history. The Kingdom was then under the rule of King Kalākaua, who had been forced to accept the "Bayonet Constitution" in 1887, which significantly limited the monarch's power and disenfranchised many native Hawaiians. This constitution, pushed through by the Hawaiian League (a group primarily composed of American and European businessmen), effectively transferred much of the political control to the foreign elite.

The Political Landscape of Hawaii in the Late 19th Century

To fully appreciate Stevens' role, it is crucial to understand the intricate political landscape of Hawaii at the time. The Hawaiian Kingdom was grappling with numerous challenges:

• Economic Dependence: The sugar industry dominated the Hawaiian economy, and American businesses controlled most of it. This economic dependence gave American entrepreneurs significant leverage in Hawaiian politics.
• The Bayonet Constitution: This constitution, imposed on King Kalākaua, stripped the monarchy of much of its authority and favored foreign residents, leading to widespread resentment among native Hawaiians.
• Rise of Nationalism: Despite the challenges, a strong sense of Hawaiian national identity persisted. Many native Hawaiians sought to restore the monarchy's power and protect their cultural heritage.
• American Expansionism: The United States was in a period of expansionism, seeking to extend its influence in the Pacific. Hawaii's strategic location made it a desirable territory for military and economic reasons.

Stevens, a staunch advocate of American expansionism, saw Hawaii as a natural extension of U.S. territory. He believed that American control would bring stability and prosperity to the islands, while also serving American strategic interests. His views aligned with those of many American businessmen in Hawaii, who sought annexation to eliminate tariffs on sugar exports to the United States and gain greater political control.

The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy

The pivotal event that set the stage for annexation was the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in January 1893. Queen Lili'uokalani, who succeeded her brother King Kalākaua in 1891, sought to restore the monarchy's power and enact a new constitution that would enfranchise native Hawaiians. This move was met with fierce opposition from the foreign elite, who saw it as a threat to their economic and political interests.

John L. Stevens played a central role in the overthrow. He conspired with the Committee of Safety, a group of American and European businessmen who sought to depose the Queen. On January 17, 1893, Stevens ordered U.S. Marines from the USS Boston to land in Honolulu, ostensibly to protect American lives and property. However, the presence of the Marines provided crucial support to the Committee of Safety, who then declared the monarchy overthrown and established a provisional government.

Stevens quickly recognized the provisional government, led by Sanford B. Dole, as the legitimate authority in Hawaii. This recognition was a significant step towards annexation, as it signaled American support for the new regime. Queen Lili'uokalani, under duress and seeking to avoid bloodshed, surrendered her authority to the United States government, hoping that the U.S. would investigate the situation and restore the monarchy.

Stevens' Justification and Actions

Stevens justified his actions by arguing that the Hawaiian monarchy was corrupt and inefficient, and that annexation was in the best interests of both Hawaii and the United States. He portrayed the overthrow as a popular uprising against a tyrannical queen, ignoring the fact that it was largely orchestrated by a small group of foreign businessmen with their own economic and political agendas.

His key actions that facilitated the overthrow include:

• Conspiracy: Stevens secretly collaborated with the Committee of Safety, providing them with assurances of American support.
• Military Intervention: He ordered U.S. Marines to land in Honolulu, creating an atmosphere of intimidation that prevented royalist forces from defending the Queen.
• Recognition of the Provisional Government: He immediately recognized the provisional government, lending it legitimacy and paving the way for annexation.
• Misinformation: Stevens sent biased reports to the U.S. State Department, portraying the situation in Hawaii in a way that favored annexation.

The Blount Report and Its Implications

The actions of Stevens and the American community in Hawaii stirred considerable controversy in the United States. President Grover Cleveland, upon learning of the events, ordered an investigation into the overthrow. He sent James H. Blount as a special commissioner to Hawaii to investigate the circumstances surrounding the overthrow.

Blount's report, submitted in July 1893, was highly critical of Stevens and the role of the U.S. Marines. The Blount Report concluded that Stevens had acted improperly by supporting the Committee of Safety and ordering the Marines to intervene. It also found that the overthrow was not a popular uprising, but rather a conspiracy orchestrated by a small group of foreign residents with the support of the U.S. Minister.

President Cleveland, based on the findings of the Blount Report, condemned the overthrow and sought to restore Queen Lili'uokalani to her throne. However, the provisional government, backed by powerful American business interests, refused to step down. Cleveland's efforts to restore the monarchy were ultimately unsuccessful, and the issue of Hawaiian annexation remained unresolved.

The Annexation of Hawaii

The issue of Hawaiian annexation remained a contentious one until William McKinley became President in 1897. McKinley, an expansionist like Stevens, favored annexation and sought to complete the process. The outbreak of the Spanish-American War in 1898 further solidified support for annexation, as Hawaii's strategic location became even more valuable to the United States.

In July 1898, Congress passed a joint resolution annexing Hawaii, and McKinley signed it into law. Hawaii became a U.S. territory, and the provisional government was replaced by an American administration. The annexation marked the end of Hawaiian independence and the beginning of a new chapter in the islands' history.

The Legacy of John L. Stevens

John L. Stevens' role in the annexation of Hawaii remains a subject of intense debate. Some historians argue that he acted in the best interests of the United States, promoting American expansion and securing a valuable strategic asset. Others condemn him for his interference in Hawaiian affairs, his role in the overthrow of a legitimate government, and his disregard for the rights of native Hawaiians.

His legacy is complex and controversial. He is remembered by some as a visionary who helped bring progress and stability to Hawaii, while others view him as a villain who undermined a sovereign nation and contributed to the injustices suffered by native Hawaiians.

Long-Term Consequences

The annexation of Hawaii had profound and lasting consequences for the islands and their people:

• Loss of Sovereignty: The annexation marked the end of Hawaiian independence, and the islands became a U.S. territory.
• Economic Transformation: The annexation led to significant economic changes, as American businesses gained greater control over the Hawaiian economy.
• Cultural Impact: The annexation had a profound impact on Hawaiian culture, as American values and customs became increasingly dominant.
• Native Hawaiian Disenfranchisement: Native Hawaiians continued to face political and economic marginalization, and their traditional way of life was disrupted.
• Statehood: In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States, marking the culmination of the annexation process.

The Apology Resolution

In 1993, the United States Congress passed a joint resolution, known as the Apology Resolution, acknowledging the U.S. role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and apologizing to the native Hawaiian people for the injustices they had suffered. The resolution recognized that the overthrow was illegal and that the United States had acted improperly in supporting it.

The Apology Resolution was a significant step towards reconciliation between the United States and the native Hawaiian community. It acknowledged the historical wrongs that had been committed and paved the way for further efforts to address the ongoing challenges faced by native Hawaiians.

Conclusion

John L. Stevens' role in the annexation of Hawaii is a complex and controversial one. His actions were instrumental in paving the way for annexation, but they also involved conspiracy, military intervention, and the undermining of a sovereign nation. His legacy remains a subject of intense debate, as historians and scholars continue to grapple with the ethical and political implications of his actions.

The annexation of Hawaii had profound and lasting consequences for the islands and their people. It marked the end of Hawaiian independence, led to significant economic and cultural changes, and had a lasting impact on the native Hawaiian community. Understanding Stevens' role is essential for understanding the complex history of Hawaii and the ongoing challenges faced by its people.

The story of John L. Stevens and the annexation of Hawaii serves as a reminder of the complexities of history and the importance of understanding the perspectives of all those involved. It also highlights the enduring impact of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for justice and reconciliation.

How do you view the role of individuals like John L. Stevens in shaping historical events, especially when their actions have such profound and lasting consequences?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who was John L. Stevens?

A: John L. Stevens was the United States Minister to the Kingdom of Hawaii from 1889 to 1893. He played a controversial role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and the subsequent annexation of Hawaii by the United States.

Q: What was Stevens' role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy?

A: Stevens conspired with the Committee of Safety, a group of American and European businessmen, to overthrow Queen Lili'uokalani. He ordered U.S. Marines to land in Honolulu, which provided crucial support to the Committee of Safety and led to the Queen's forced abdication.

Q: What was the Blount Report?

A: The Blount Report was an investigation ordered by President Grover Cleveland into the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy. The report concluded that Stevens had acted improperly by supporting the Committee of Safety and ordering the Marines to intervene.

Q: Why did the United States annex Hawaii?

A: The annexation of Hawaii was driven by a combination of factors, including American expansionism, economic interests (particularly in the sugar industry), and strategic considerations (Hawaii's location in the Pacific).

Q: What was the Apology Resolution?

A: The Apology Resolution was a joint resolution passed by the United States Congress in 1993, acknowledging the U.S. role in the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and apologizing to the native Hawaiian people for the injustices they had suffered.