Odd Fighting Units: The Honolulu Rifles during the Hawaii Rebellions, 1887-1895
The Honolulu Rifles regiment was a militia force of predominantly Anglo-American or European descendants living in Hawaii, formed in Honolulu in what was then the Kingdom of Hawaii, 1884. Founded originally as a parade-social club with their own uniforms, weapons, drill manuals, etc. the Honolulu Rifles regiment became a potent military presence in Hawaii at a critical time in the island nation’s history, which came to be called the Hawaii Rebellions from 1887-1895. Honolulu Rifles regiment The downfall of both the Kingdom of Hawaii and the independent Hawaiian republic in 1893 & 1895 respectively were both directly linked to actions of the Honolulu Rifles brigade. Hawaii ’s annexation as a territory of the United States was in its day a diplomatic and political hair trigger argument. President Grover Cleveland (b.1837-1908) opposed annexation in both his terms as president and only during President William McKinley's term in 1898 did the machinations...