Marines Land in Honolulu to Support Bayonet Constitution
U.S. Marines landed in Honolulu from the USS Boston to prevent Queen Liliuokalani from abrogating the Bayonet Constitution. This military presence aimed to support local business interests and facilitate political changes favoring annexation to the United States amid rising tensions in Hawaii.
U.S. Marines arrived from USS Boston.
Marines aimed to protect American interests.
Queen sought to abrogate the Bayonet Constitution.
Event contributed to Hawaii's future annexation.
What Happened?
In January 1893, the political climate in Hawaii reached a critical juncture as Queen Liliuokalani sought to abrogate the Bayonet Constitution, which limited her powers and favored the interests of American planters. The Bayonet Constitution, imposed in 1887, had significantly curtailed the queen's authority and shifted power to a small group of predominantly American businessmen and sugar planters. As tensions rose, concerns among these business leaders grew regarding the queen's intentions to restore royal powers. In a decisive move, the U.S. government dispatched Marines from the USS Boston to Honolulu to protect American lives and property while also ensuring the continuation of the established order. On January 13, U.S. forces landed, showcasing American military presence and support for the interests of the local business community. The queen, initially hesitant to use force against U.S. troops, eventually yielded to pressure from American interests.
Why Does it Matter?
The landing of U.S. Marines in Honolulu marked a significant turning point in Hawaiian history and ultimately contributed to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. It highlighted the extent of U.S. influence in Hawaiian affairs, paving the way for the eventual annexation of Hawaii in 1898. This event underscored America's imperial ambitions during the late 19th century and set a precedent for U.S. interventions in foreign governance.