The Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy Bayonet Constitution

The Bayonet Constitution A new law for the Hawaiian government in 1887 in which King David Kalakaua was forced to sign. The Bayonet Constitution would eventually limit the power of the king and transfer power to the elite (American, European, Hawaiian elites).

The Bayonet Constitution King David Kalakaua: The 7th monarch (of 8) of the Hawaiian Monarchs. Reigned from February 12, 1874(succeeding King William Lunalilo) — January 20, 1891(Died and succeeded by Queen Liliuokalani).

King David Kalakaua

The Bayonet Constitution Unhappy with the rule of Kalakaua and his premier, Walter Murray Gibson, leaders of the Hawaiian League (“the Committee of Safety”) used threats to force the king to adopt a new constitution. It was rumored that Kalakaua had given a $60,000 bribe from a farmer to receive license to grow opium.

Walter Murry Gibson

The Hawaiian League “The Committee of Safety” or the “Annexation Club.” It was made of 13 American and Hawaiian citizens. It’s main goal was to annex Hawaii. “Annex” – The first step in adding and controlling a place to a larger country.

The Hawaiian League – “The Committee of Safety.”

The Steps to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887 June 30, 1887: a meeting of residents(local businessmen, sugar planters, politicians) with the backing of the armed militia of the Honolulu Rifles( secret affiliation with the Missionary Party ), as well as the “Committee of Safety” demanded King Kalakaua to fire his cabinet headed by Walter Gibson. The meeting was called to order by Sanford B. Dole. Lorin A. Thurston prepared demands for the king to follow including a new constitution to be written.

The Steps to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887 July 1, 1887: a shipment of arms was discovered (although later found to be smooth-bore hunting guns used to scare bird from farmers' fields). The Honolulu Rifles took control and arrested Gibson. This was to believe that Gibson was planning a rebellion. Kalakaua, with the advice of foreign advisors, complied with the demands of the U.S. government and allowed Lorin A. Thurston to replace Walter Gibson as the Interior Minister.

The Steps to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887 A Week Later. . . . A group of lawyers drafted a new constitution: Sanford B. Dole, Lorrin A. Thurston, William Ansel Kinney, William Owen Smith, George Norton Wilcox, Edward Griffin Hitchcock. Most of these men were associated with the “Hawaiian League,” aka “Committee of Safety.”

The Steps to the Bayonet Constitution of 1887 July 6, 1887. . . . Kalakaua signed the document to become the new law of Hawaii. It created a constitutional monarchy like that of the British, stripping the king of his authority, giving power to the legislative branch and his cabinet.

Specifics of the New Constitution Executive power was placed in the hands of the cabinet, appointed by the king but responsible only to the legislature. The king was not allowed to appoint any legislator and his veto power was restricted.

Specifics of the New Constitution The constitution also removed the monarch's power to appoint members of the House of Nobles (the upper house of the legislature), instead making it a body elected by the wealthy landowners to six-year terms and enlarging it to 40 members.

Specifics of the New Constitution Only Hawaiian, American, and European males were granted full voting rights if they met the economic and literacy requirements. Property qualifications effectively kept Hawaiians from voting for nobles, but awarded big gains to haole voters.

The Bayonet Constitution Like a soldier with bayonet (at the end of a rifle) threatening the life of another, Kalakaua was threatened to sign and change his Hawaii forever. . . . . by giving up his power and giving it to the “people.”