162 Marines toppled a queen, a forbidden island untouched since 1864, and a man who fought a Japanese pilot with his bare hands.
The Detail That Changes Everything
American businessmen and 162 Marines illegally overthrew Hawaii’s queen in 1893
Historical Context
This story spans 1864-1959 and is centered in Hawaii. Understanding the broader historical context is essential to grasping why events unfolded as they did.
Key Figures
The central figures in this story include Queen Liliuokalani. Each played a distinct role in the events documented in this episode.
What This Documentary Covers
- How American businessmen and 162 Marines illegally overthrew Hawaii’s queen
- The forbidden island of Niihau that outsiders still can’t visit
- Iolani Palace: the only royal palace in America – with electricity before the White House
- The hand-to-hand combat on Niihau Island hours after Pearl Harbor
- Three years of secret martial law that suspended Hawaii’s Constitution
Themes Explored
This episode examines interconnected themes including illegal overthrow, monarchy, martial law, Pearl Harbor, indigenous rights. These themes recur across multiple episodes in our documentary collection, revealing patterns that connect seemingly unrelated stories.
Watch the Full Documentary
This companion article provides context and background for the full documentary. For the complete story with narration, original music, and archival imagery, watch the episode above or on YouTube.
