Today In History logo TIH
Queen Liliuokalani didn't stand a chance. U.S. Marines stormed Honolulu's street
1893 Event

January 13

US Marines Land in Hawaii: The Queen's Days Are Numbered

Queen Liliuokalani didn't stand a chance. U.S. Marines stormed Honolulu's streets, bayonets gleaming, to crush Hawaii's last moment of indigenous sovereignty. And they did it with brutal efficiency: protecting American sugar plantation interests by forcibly removing the kingdom's rightful monarch. She'd tried to restore Native Hawaiian political power—a direct threat to white businessmen who'd already gutted her constitutional authority. But gunboats and Marines spoke louder than her royal decree. Within days, Hawaii would be transformed from an independent kingdom to an American-controlled territory.

January 13, 1893

133 years ago

Key Figures & Places

What Else Happened on January 13

Talk to History

Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.

Start Talking