Queen Liliuokalani

Real World Example

Queen Liliuokalani was the last sovereign ruler of the Hawaiian Kingdom, reigning from 1891 until 1893 when she was overthrown by a group of American businessmen and local residents with support from the U.S. military. Her attempt to restore the monarchy's power through a new constitution was seen as a threat by these groups, leading to her deposition. This event marked a significant moment in U.S. imperialism, as Hawaii was eventually annexed by the United States in 1898. Today, Queen Liliuokalani's legacy inspires movements for Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural preservation, highlighting the importance of indigenous rights and self-determination. For example, modern Hawaiian activists often cite her efforts to protect her people's autonomy as motivation to continue advocating for the recognition and revitalization of Hawaiian culture and language.