Study Notes on the Annexation of Hawaii and Resistance of Queen Liliuokalani

The concept of submission in context to Hawaii's annexation.
- The term 'submission' refers to the loss of sovereignty and independence experienced by Hawaii during the annexation.
- Acknowledgment of Hawaii's intrinsic worth and beauty, alongside its natural resources beyond just pineapples, highlighting the strategic economic interests of the U.S.

In 1890, the United States enacted the McKinley Tariff which imposed high taxes on foreign sugar.
- This tariff adversely affected Hawaiian economy as it targeted sugar production.
- Hawaiian dependency on U.S. markets led to economic distress.
- The U.S. aimed to manipulate this distress to encourage annexation: "You need someone to take care of you… Become one with us."
The plantation owners, primarily wealthy white businessmen, benefitted from U.S. control and were instrumental in facilitating the annexation process.

Queen Liliuokalani ruled Hawaii during this turbulent period, embodying resistance against American annexation.
- She recognized the economic manipulations as rooted in American greed, rather than genuine concern for Hawaii’s welfare.
- Efforts to push back against the U.S. annexation were thwarted by the military and political strength of the United States.
On January 16, 1895, Queen Liliuokalani was arrested, leading to her imprisonment:
- Her diaries were confiscated, and she was isolated from the public and her supporters.

Arrival of American missionaries in Hawaii began a pattern of power accumulation, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy.
- The missionaries transformed land into plantations, taking advantage of the existing Hawaiian nobility.
Formation of the Missionary Party among descendants of missionaries led to plotting annexation and a shift in political dynamics in Hawaii:
- Bayonet Constitution forced on King Kalakaua stripped native rights and ceded power to white businessmen.
Her ascendance to power came after Kalakaua's death, amid threats to her life and political maneuvers against her rule:
- She authored a new constitution aimed at restoring voting rights to native Hawaiians (around two-thirds had lost their rights).
On January 17, 1893, the Committee of Safety, made up of missionary party members, staged a coup:
- U.S. Marines supported the coup, leading to her removal.
- The provisional government replaced her with a republic, and implemented restrictive measures against native Hawaiians.

In 1894, a constitution was imposed restricting voting rights and governmental roles for Hawaiians.
Queen Liliuokalani faced ongoing challenges including a brutal response from the provisional government against her supporters:
- Prison sentences and death sentences were issued to demonstrators, affirming the suppressive means employed to maintain control.
Queen Liliuokalani was eventually forced to sign documents of abdication but continued to advocate for rights.

During the Spanish-American War, Hawaii's strategic position led to its annexation:
- On July 7, 1898, it was declared a U.S. territory, violating international law and leading to profound loss for native Hawaiians.
Queen Liliuokalani spent her life advocating for her people and the restoration of their rights, remaining a symbol of resistance and resilience.
- Died in 1917, leaving behind a fight for sovereignty that many continue today.
A declaration from an overthrow participant highlighted the intentionality behind erasing history: "if we are ever to have peace and annexation, the first thing to do is obliterate the past."

The imperialistic approach seen in the annexation of Hawaii parallels colonization in other regions, such as New Zealand:
- British acquisition of New Zealand aimed at enhancing their presence in Polynesia, often leading to the marginalization of the Maori, the indigenous people.
The imposition of British laws and governance mimicked the tactics employed in Hawaii, resulting in significant losses of life among the Maori due to diseases introduced by settlers.
Recent resurgence of Maori culture reflects a broader movement to reclaim indigenous heritage and rights.

The revival of traditional Polynesian culture includes increased visibility through media:
- Example: Disney's Moana resonates with the celebration of Polynesian heritage.
The haka, a traditional war dance performed by Maori, represents cultural identity and resilience:
- It includes specific physical expressions such as thigh slapping and exaggerated facial expressions, often misunderstood by outsiders as mere performance.
The haka is performed by New Zealand sports teams, illustrating the cultural heritage in contemporary contexts across global platforms, highlighting the authenticity and pride in indigenous traditions.