David Kalākaua, the last king of Hawaii, confronted a challenging political landscape shaped by the powerful economic interests of American and European nationals in the islands. In the mid-1880s, a group of these individuals, known collectively as the 'Missionary Party', had begun to exert growing influence over the Hawaiian government. This pressure culminated in 1887 when they demanded significant constitutional reforms. Facing the threat of a military coup and potential violence from these powerful figures, Kalākaua reluctantly agreed to their terms, which materialized in the form of the Bayonet Constitution.

The Bayonet Constitution significantly altered the balance of power within the Hawaiian government. It stripped the monarch of many executive powers, transferred legislative authority to a newly empowered legislature, and limited voting rights to landowners, effectively disenfranchising many native Hawaiians. This transformation was a direct result of the increasing influence of foreign business interests, particularly those connected to the sugar industry, which sought greater control over both economic and political processes in Hawaii.

As a consequence of signing this constitution, Kalākaua's reign was marred by controversy and struggle. He attempted efforts to regain some powers and preserve Hawaiian sovereignty, including a bid to reaffirm the Hawaiian monarchy's authority and significance. However, these efforts met with limited success, leading to increased tensions among various factions within Hawaii, which ultimately set the stage for future conflicts over sovereignty and governance.