John L. Stevens facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John L. Stevens
Minister to the Hawaiian Kingdom
In office September 23, 1889 – May 18, 1893
Preceded by	George W. Merrill
Succeeded by	James H. Blount
Personal details
Born	John Leavitt Stevens August 1, 1820 Mount Vernon, Kennebec County, Maine, United States
Died	February 8, 1895(1895-02-08) (aged 74) Augusta, Maine, United States
Spouse	Mary Lowell Smith ​ (m. 1845)​
Children	4
Parents	John Stevens Charlotte Lyford Stevens

John Leavitt Stevens (born August 1, 1820 – died February 8, 1895) was an important American diplomat. He served as the United States Minister to the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. During his time there, he was involved in the events that led to the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani. This event was led by a group called the Committee of Safety.

Besides being a politician and diplomat, Stevens was also a journalist, author, and newspaper publisher. He helped start the Republican Party in Maine. He also served as a Maine State Senator.

Early Life and Career

John Leavitt Stevens was born in 1820 in Mount Vernon, Maine. He lived most of his life in Augusta, Maine.

Becoming a Minister and Activist

Stevens first studied to become a minister in the Universalist church. He worked as a pastor for ten years. During this time, he became a leader in the movement to end slavery. He also spoke out against the death penalty.

From Preacher to Politician

After a decade as a minister, Stevens's friend, Maine Governor Anson P. Morrill, convinced him to change careers. Stevens left the church to become a newspaper publisher and politician.

In 1854, Stevens and his partner James G. Blaine bought a newspaper called The Kennebec Journal. They worked together for 14 years. They edited the newspaper and helped build the Republican Party in Maine. Stevens also played a big part in the 1876 Presidential election. He was the chairman of the Republican State Committee of Maine. His work helped him get a job representing the United States government.

Diplomatic Service

John L. Stevens joined the United States Department of State. He was appointed as a minister to several countries. These included Paraguay, Uruguay, Sweden, and Norway. Finally, he was appointed to Hawaii. His old partner, James G. Blaine, who was now the United States Secretary of State, helped him get the Hawaii job. In Hawaii, Stevens's title became Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Extraordinary. This showed his higher rank in the State Department.

Views on Hawaii

Soon after arriving in Hawaii, Stevens began writing about the islands. He gave speeches and wrote pamphlets. One speech was called Advice to Young Hawaiians. He also wrote The Hawaiian Situation.

Stevens believed in something called Manifest Destiny. This was an idea that the United States should expand its influence. He thought Hawaii should be closely connected to the U.S. His boss, James G. Blaine, also believed this. In 1881, Blaine wrote that the U.S. should make Hawaii "practically a part of the American system."

Changes in Hawaii

In 1887, Hawaii made some changes to its constitution. These changes caused tension between foreign businessmen and native Hawaiians. In 1891, the Hawaiian King died. His sister, Princess Liliuokalani, became Queen Liliuokalani.

Queen Liliuokalani was not happy with the 1887 constitution. Stevens thought she wanted to restore more power to the Hawaiian monarchy. Because of this, he asked for a U.S. warship, the USS Boston, to stay in Honolulu harbor.

In 1892, Stevens wrote to Secretary of State James G. Blaine. He asked how far he could go if a local movement wanted to change the government. Stevens believed that Hawaii becoming part of the U.S. would prevent other countries, like England or Canada, from gaining control there.

Later Life and Legacy

After the events in Hawaii in 1893, Stevens was asked to retire. He spent his time giving lectures and writing. He also continued to work with the Republican Party. He died two years later.

Writing and Recognition

During his retirement, Stevens tried to improve his public image. In 1894, he published a book called Picturesque Hawaii. This book was part memoir, part travel guide, and part political argument. It explained his actions in Hawaii.

Stevens also wrote other books. These included a two-volume biography of Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus. This book was praised for its detailed research. Stevens also wrote many letters and speeches. Many of these supported his views on American foreign policy.

In 1882, Stevens received an honorary degree from Tufts College. An American author, William Elliot Griffis, dedicated his book America in the East to Stevens. Griffis wrote that Stevens believed American citizens abroad should be protected.

Family and Final Years

John L. Stevens married Mary Lowell Smith in 1845. They had four children. One of his daughters drowned in January 1893. This happened just three days after the Hawaiian government was overthrown. This event is said to have caused Stevens great sadness.

John L. Stevens died at his home in Augusta, Maine, on February 8, 1895. He passed away from heart disease.

In 1898, the United States officially took control of Hawaii. A special silver tea set was given to Stevens by people in Hawaii who supported the U.S. taking over. This tea set is still owned by Stevens's family today. His life and the tea set were featured in a Public Broadcasting Service documentary in 1998 called The Nation Within. A play called "Cry for the Gods" also tells a fictional story about Stevens and Queen Liliuokalani.

See also

• James G. Blaine
• Kalakaua
• Liliuokalani
• Lorrin A. Thurston
• Overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom
• Paraguayan War
• Sanford B. Dole