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Who is the audience of Queen Liliuokalani’s official protest? Why does she appeal to these people, in spite of their possible role in the overthrow of her government? Explain, citing evidence from the text.

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Final answer:

Queen Liliuokalani appealed to the United States government and the international community, utilizing diplomatic avenues in hopes of restoring her legitimate authority over Hawaii and protecting the rights of Native Hawaiians.

Step-by-step explanation:

The audience of Queen Liliuokalani's official protest was the United States government and the international community. She made her appeal to these entities despite their possible role in the overthrow of her government because they had the power and influence to potentially restore her to the throne and correct an action she deemed illegal and unjust. Evidence of this strategic appeal is seen when Liliuokalani surrendered her throne 'to the superior force of the United States' in the hope that a future investigation by leaders in Washington, D.C. might lead to her reinstatement.

Queen Liliuokalani's dedication to her people and sovereignty is exemplified by her efforts to challenge laws against the Hawaiian language in schools and her attempt to restore voting rights to nonwhite laborers. Her efforts were aimed at protecting the interests and rights of Native Hawaiians against the increasing dominance of a minority group of American planters. Ultimately, she was unable to prevent the annexation of Hawaii in 1898, but her protest and appeal to those with power reflected her last stand for her nation's sovereignty.

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