Why 200 years ago Russia missed the chance to annex Hawaii to its territory

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

If the Russians had shown promptness two hundred years ago, then Hawaii would have been part of the Russian Federation today. At that time, the island rulers were actively looking for ways to establish trade relations with other countries. Russia was considered as a potential ally. But Emperor Alexander I refused to take Hawaii under his patronage, explaining his decision by their remoteness.

Why did the Hawaiian kings seek to establish cooperation with the Russians

Russians' interest in the Hawaiian Islands is closely related to the names of famous travelers Yuri Lisyansky and Ivan Kruzenshtern. In the process of sailing around the world, they stopped in Hawaii. Back in 1804, these islands were called Sandwich. The travelers noted the brisk trade that the local population conducted with the Americans. Being patriots, Lisyansky and Kruzenshtern, in turn, decided to establish mutually beneficial cooperation with the islanders.

This required a meeting with the local ruler, of whom there were two on the islands: Kamehamea I, as well as his vassal Kaumualii. The first was the official ruler, the second was his vassal, who controlled the two islands.

Kamehameah did not want to make time for an audience. Communication with Russian travelers passed through the main adviser Jung, originally from England. It is possible that it was Jung who persuaded the king to refuse to meet.

Lisyansky and Kruzenstern managed to meet with Kaumualiya, who was fluent in English. Hoping to become the sole ruler of the islands with the help of new friends, he readily agreed to cooperate. For his assistance in the struggle against Kamehamea, he promised to turn his islands into royal colonies.

The ruler of the Sandwich Islands learned about the intrigues of his rival, and made a "move ahead of the curve." In 1806, he contacted in writing with Alexander Baranov, who at that time was the ruler of Russian settlements in North America. At that time, the Russian Empire owned Alaska and California. Baranov was also a member of the management team of the Russian-American company.

Kamehameah expressed his desire to start trade cooperation with Russia. The island ruler counted on receiving industrial goods. Instead, he offered sandalwood, which was highly prized in Russia.

For a more detailed consideration of Kamehamea's proposal, Baranov created a commission, which was charged with carefully assessing the situation on the spot. The result of her activities was the development of projects for the creation of an agricultural colony and the construction of fortifications. The Russian-American company welcomed these plans with enthusiasm. First of all, this meant the development of trade. In addition, the close proximity of the islands to the Russian colonies gave a powerful impetus to the strengthening of Russian influence in America.

But Tsar Alexander I and his government abandoned this project. At that time, Europe was engulfed in a war against Napoleon. The conflict with England, which lasted from 1807 to 1812, has not yet ended. Therefore, those in power considered it inexpedient to annex an archipelago located at a considerable distance from the empire.

Why did the Russian ship "Bering", headed by Baron Schaeffer, arrive in Hawaii?

The Hawaiian ruler of Kaumualiya realized the futility of hopes in the Russians. In 1815, ships "Bering" moored to the shores of Kauai, which Baranov sent to replenish food supplies. Local residents seized the ship along with the cargo "with the blessing" of the ruler.

Baranov entrusted the rescue of the situation to Baron Georg Schaeffer. The German-born naturalist had previously participated in an expedition to Alaska. He served as the ship's doctor, but was decommissioned due to "intolerance on the ship." Schaeffer had no knowledge of either military affairs or the field of diplomacy. He was sent by Baranov for lack of anyone better. The official did not want to admit that his mistake cost 100 thousand rubles for the goods, not counting the value of the ship itself.

Obeying the instructions, Schaeffer turned to Kamehamea for help, who managed to unite all the islands under his rule, subjugating the ruler Kaumualia to himself. The baron had valuable gifts for the king and a letter from Baranov. But the main goal was to conclude an agreement on the sandalwood trade. In addition, the "envoy" had to secure permission to create an intermediate port for Russian ships.

At first, Schaeffer's diplomatic mission failed. Kamehameah, under the influence of American merchants, refused even to accept the letter. The situation improved when the Baron managed to cure his sick wife. Also, Kamehamea himself, suffering from heart disease, began to use his services. But the Americans accused the Baron of espionage, and his negotiations on the Bering stalled.

How Mad Baron Schaeffer's Secret Plan Failed

Schaeffer decided to compensate for the failures on the diplomatic front at least by returning the Bering. In 1816, he visited Kaumualia to demand the return of the property. The local ruler turned to him with a request to accept his possessions under the royal protection. Schaeffer entered into an agreement with him, providing for the seizure of lands belonging to Kamehamea. In return, the Russians were promised a monopoly on trade in sandalwood.

The originals of the contracts were sent to Baranov. At the same time, the Baron equipped a delegation to Petersburg with a request to send two warships. Through the efforts of the baron, three fortresses were built on the island. He also bought a schooner for Kaumualia, and for his needs the military ship "Avon".

Baranov did not approve of the initiative of his envoy. He ordered him to stop all activity, and refused to pay money for Avon. In response to Schaeffer's actions, the Americans bought all the goods for sale from Kaumualia, including sandalwood. At the same time, they carried out propaganda against the Russians among the local residents. As a result, the islanders, including the king, were convinced of Schaeffer's aggressive intentions. In 1817, the baron, along with his followers, was expelled from the islands. The Russians were forced to return to the ships that had fallen into disrepair.

The unfortunate diplomat was saved by an American. The captain of the merchant ship took him on board in gratitude for the medical assistance provided in the past.

Why the Russian Empire refused to establish a colony in Hawaii

The story ended a few months later in St. Petersburg. The RAC Directorate supported Schaeffer's request. But Emperor Alexander had the opposite opinion. He believed that the arrival of the islands under the patronage of Russia would bring nothing but inconvenience. His position was supported by Karl Nesselrode, who at the time was head of the Foreign Ministry. He noted that Russia, which has publicly declared its adherence to the norms of international law, should not create a Hawaiian colony. In addition, Emperor Alexander intended to involve the United States in the Holy Alliance, so he wanted to avoid a clash of interests. The islands remained independent until the end of the 19th century.

In general, the waters around Hawaii are literally teeming with sharks. Right here the world's largest shark was photographed next to a person. The spectacle is naturally breathtaking.