Modern Hawaiian History Study Guide

Flashcards about Hawaiian History

What did the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act (1920) do?

• Provided long-term leases on homestead lots

• Provided rehabilitation for Native Hawaiians

• Established 200,000 acres for Native Hawaiian homesteading.

What was Prince Kuhio's role in implementing the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act?

• Advocated for the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act

• Wrote letters to Congress explaining its importance

• Convinced lawmakers to support it

Hawaii Statehood

Granted August 21, 1959 (signed on march 18, 1959 by president Eisenhower)

What did the Sugar Plantation Strike of 1946 do for workers in Hawaii?

• Shutdown 33 of 34 plantations

• Created unions, improved wages and benefits, provided housing, reduced working hours, secured medical care and pensions

When was the Pearl Harbor Attack?

December 7, 1941

How did the US government's actions following Pearl Harbor impact life in Hawaii for locals during WWII?

• Increased military presence

• Controlled locals' daily lives (curfews, labor, wages)

• Japanese Americans put into internment camps, arrested, and faced racism

What was culturally significant about the 2nd Hawaiian Renaissance?

• Renewed efforts to preserve the Hawaiian language

• Revived traditional music (slack-key guitar, ukulele),

• Establishment of the Merrie Monarch in 1964

• Renewed interest in Polynesian voyaging and navigation

• Fostered political activism and Hawaiian sovereignty

• 1978 Hawaiian Convention Center - Hawaiian History taught in educational curriculum

1978 Hawaiian Convention Center Impact

• Made Hawaiian history a part of the educational curriculum

• Recognized Native Hawaiian rights

• Set up “The Office of Hawaiian Affairs”(OHA) for Ceded public lands trust (an agency that would use income from land taken from the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom to benefit Hawaiians)

What major political change occurred in the early to mid 1950s in Hawaiian governance?

Democrats won 22 of 30 seats in the territorial House of Representatives, shifting power away from the Republican party primarily controlled by the "Big Five" sugar companies prior to 1954.

What major union organization helped fight for workers rights in Hawaii, which included the longshoremen workers?

International Longshore and Warehouse Union - major union organization that helped fight for workers' rights in Hawaii, including longshoremen workers.

What was the Massie Trial? Why was the trial significant to Hawaii? What was the outcome of the trial? 

A case on Oahu in the 1930s involving Thalia Massie and the alleged assault by 5 local men. In revenge, Thalia’s parents targeted Joseph Kahahawai, murdering him and labeling it as an honor killing. The Massie family was found guilty but their sentence was reduced to one hour in detention due to president Hoover's demand. Involved racial relations, injustices, and politics and brought hate and racism onto Native Hawaiians. It was a turning point in Hawaii’s history and raised awareness of racial discrimination and the legal system's biases against Native Hawaiians.

How did Walter Ritte, and many other local activists, protest against the bombing of Kahoolawe?

Risked his life alongside other local activists by standing on Kahoolawe in front of the bombing ship to protest the bombing, staying for 35 days.

What was significant about the United States Apology Resolution in 1993?

• Acknowledged the overthrow and suppression of Native Hawaiians

• Issued a formal apology for the overthrow

• Established reconciliation between the U.S. and Native Hawaiians

• Shifted public consciousness about the legality of the overthrow and its impact

How was statehood viewed from the mainland at the time of Hawaii's induction into the Union?

• Both positive and negative;

• Positive anticipation (ending taxation without representation - Hawaii residents would be granted same rights and rep as other US citizens, military assets, economic potential.)

• Negative lingering concerns such as state wasn't ready, fear of political leaning, communist influences, and race/cultural differences

How do you think Iconic Hawaiian Figures from history continue to influence Hawaii today? 

• Serve as a reminder of Hawaiian traditions (music, hula, games) and shape today through cultural revival, historical recognition, and enduring values.

• Remembered through statues, museums, and historical sites, legacies are taught in school further proving their influence

What did the 2nd Hawaiian Renaissance accomplish during the 1960s and 70s?

• It served as a cultural and political revitalization

• Renewed cultural interest in Hawaiian culture, language, music, hula, and traditional practices

• Sparked activism for sovereignty and land rights