13. President Grover Cleveland’s Response
Upon learning of the events in Hawaii, President Grover Cleveland condemned the coup and called for the restoration of Queen Liliʻuokalani. He viewed the overthrow as an illegal act orchestrated by American interests and sent a special envoy to investigate. Despite Cleveland’s efforts and public statements, the Provisional Government refused to relinquish power. Subsequent U.S. administrations, however, would take a dramatically different approach. Read more about Cleveland’s response.
