Robert William Wilcox

Strong proponent of Hawaiian independence and an advocate for the rights of native Hawaiians

 

Robert William Wilcox, commonly known as Robert W. Wilcox — an significant figure in the history of Hawaii, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Key points about him:

  1. Early Life and Education:

    • Wilcox was born on February 15, 1855, in Honolulu, Hawaii, during the Kingdom of Hawaii.

    • He received his education at Saint Albans College in Valladolid, Spain, and later at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester, England.

  2. Military Career:

    • Wilcox initially served in the Royal Guards of the Kingdom of Hawaii.

    • He later studied military tactics in Italy and, inspired by Italian nationalist movements, returned to Hawaii with aspirations for political change.

  3. Role in the Overthrow of the Monarchy:

    • Wilcox played a prominent role in two attempted uprisings against the Hawaiian monarchy.

    • In 1888, he led the Wilcox Rebellion, an unsuccessful attempt to restore the Hawaiian Kingdom and King Kalākaua following the Bayonet Constitution. A devastating document that King Kalākaua was FORCED to sign at the threat of death by American powers.

  4. Political Career:

    • Despite his earlier rebellious activities, Wilcox later became involved in politics and was elected as Hawaii's non-voting delegate to the U.S. Congress.

    • He served as a delegate from 1900 to 1903 and again from 1907 until his death in 1913.

  5. Death:

    • Robert William Wilcox passed away on July 26, 1913, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Robert W. Wilcox was stood on business. His life spanned a crucial period in Hawaiian history when the islands were undergoing significant political changes. His actions were often influenced by a desire to maintain or restore native Hawaiian political power in the face of growing foreign influence. While his rebellions were not ultimately successful, Wilcox's political career reflects the complex and dynamic interactions between native Hawaiians, colonial powers, and changing political structures during this transformative period.

 

Here are some recommendations:

  1. Books:

    • "Robert William Wilcox: A Political Biography" by Ernest Andrade Jr.

  2. Academic Articles:

  3. Online Resources:

    • The Bayonet Constitution:

      https://opb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ha06.ush.ind.bayonet/the-bayonet-constitution/

    • The Overthrow of Queen Lili‘uokalani | Hawaii's Last Queen

      https://opb.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ha06.ush.ind.overthrow/the-overthrow-of-queen-liliuokalani-hawaiis-last-queen/