key term - Hawaiian Nationalism

Definition

Hawaiian nationalism is a political and cultural movement that emphasizes the importance of Hawaiian identity, sovereignty, and the rights of Native Hawaiians. This movement emerged as a response to the loss of the Hawaiian monarchy and the subsequent annexation of Hawaii by the United States, reflecting a deep-seated desire to reclaim and protect Hawaiian culture, land, and political autonomy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hawaiian nationalism began to gain traction in the late 19th century, particularly following the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani in 1893.
2. The movement seeks to affirm and revitalize Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions that were suppressed during colonization.
3. Advocates for Hawaiian nationalism often emphasize the historical injustices faced by Native Hawaiians due to U.S. annexation and statehood.
4. The resurgence of Hawaiian nationalism in recent decades has been tied to broader global indigenous rights movements, promoting awareness and activism.
5. Hawaiian nationalists often call for greater recognition of Native Hawaiian rights, including land claims and cultural preservation initiatives.

Review Questions

• How did the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani contribute to the rise of Hawaiian nationalism?
  • The overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani was a pivotal moment that sparked Hawaiian nationalism by igniting a strong sense of identity and collective resistance among Native Hawaiians. The loss of their monarch not only represented a direct challenge to their sovereignty but also served as a rallying point for those seeking to preserve their culture and rights. This event laid the foundation for a growing movement advocating for Hawaiian self-determination and cultural revitalization.
• In what ways did the annexation of Hawaii by the United States impact the development of Hawaiian nationalism?
  • The annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898 significantly fueled Hawaiian nationalism as it heightened awareness of colonialism's detrimental effects on Native Hawaiians. Many viewed this act as an infringement on their sovereignty and an erasure of their cultural identity. As a result, activists began to mobilize around issues of self-determination, cultural preservation, and redress for historical injustices inflicted upon their people.
• Evaluate the current state of Hawaiian nationalism in relation to global indigenous rights movements and its implications for Hawaii's future.
  • Hawaiian nationalism today is intertwined with global indigenous rights movements, which emphasize self-determination and recognition of cultural heritage. This connection has led to increased advocacy for Native Hawaiian sovereignty and cultural revitalization initiatives. The implications for Hawaii's future are significant, as these movements challenge existing political structures and encourage dialogue about reparations and land rights, ultimately shaping how Hawaii navigates its relationship with both its indigenous population and federal authorities.

Related terms

Queen Liliuokalani:

The last reigning monarch of the Kingdom of Hawaii, whose overthrow in 1893 marked a significant moment in Hawaiian nationalism as she became a symbol of resistance against colonialism.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy: The 1893 coup that resulted in the deposition of Queen Liliuokalani, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later annexation by the United States.

Sovereignty Movement: A contemporary movement advocating for Native Hawaiian self-determination, political rights, and the restoration of sovereignty to the Hawaiian Islands.