8. The Committee of Safety
At the heart of the coup was the Committee of Safety, a group dominated by American businessmen and influential sugar planters. Their mission: overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani and secure annexation to the United States. This committee operated much like other extralegal groups seen during America’s westward expansion, using private force to advance their interests. With growing support from foreign residents and quiet backing from U.S. officials, the Committee of Safety set their plan for regime change in motion. More on the Committee of Safety.
