Laplace affair

Laplace affair

L'Artémise
DateJuly 10, 1839
Location
Kingdom of Hawaii
19°52′59″N 155°56′02″W / 19.883°N 155.934°W / 19.883; -155.934
Result

Kamehameha III agrees to demands

Belligerents
France French Kingdom Hawaii Kingdom of Hawaii
Commanders and leaders
France Captain Laplace Hawaii Kamehameha III
Strength

1 frigate

300 Marines
Effects of the visit of the 'L'Artemise,' Kimeone released from chains by the magnanimous conduct of Captain Laplace, woodcuts showing the persecution of Catholics in Hawaii, c. 1839.

The Laplace affair or the French Incident was a military intervention by the Kingdom of France in 1839 to end the persecution of Catholics in the Kingdom of Hawaii, which had been promoted by Protestant ministers. Under the threat of war, King Kamehameha III agreed to the French demands to stop the detention of Catholic citizens and pay reparations.