Hawaiian History: Gunboat Diplomacy and Sovereignty

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to gunboat diplomacy, sovereignty, and important legislative acts in Hawaiian history.

Gunboat Diplomacy

Diplomatic practice wherein a country uses threats or military force to influence other nations.

Sandlwood Debt

A debt of $120,000 owed by various aliʻi in Hawaii to foreign merchants.

Edict of Tolerance

A verbal announcement by the Hawaiian Kingdom allowing any religion to share in the islands, aimed to avoid foreign demands.

Constitution of 1840

Document that established freedom of the Christian religion in Hawaii and defined the powers of the king.

Māhele

The Great Māhele of 1848, which addressed land ownership in Hawaii influenced by foreign demands.

Resident Alien Act 1850

Legislation that allowed foreigners the ability to purchase and own land in Hawaii.

Kuleana Act 1850

Act that acknowledged land claims made by makaʻāinana and awarded claims to 8,421 individuals.

Lā Kūʻokoʻa

November 28, 1843; date of the Anglo-Franco Proclamation recognizing the Hawaiian Kingdom as a sovereign nation.

Reciprocity Treaty

Agreement allowing U.S. and Hawaiian businesses to trade without tariffs, aimed at strengthening economic ties.

Aloha ʻĀina

A term referring to the love and concern for the land, significant in Hawaiian culture and history.

Mōʻī

King in the Hawaiian monarchy, holding authority and leadership.

Kuhina Nui

The chief advisor or regent in the Hawaiian government, holding significant power alongside the king.

Oligarchy

A form of government in which power resides in a small segment of society, often the wealthy or elite.