Empire 167. Paradise Lost: The Taking of Hawaii
Jul 10, 2024
Explore the turbulent history of Hawaii's annexation by the U.S., driven by colonial greed and the American planter class. Delve into Queen Liliʻuokalani's courageous battle against foreign encroachment and her efforts to reclaim sovereignty. Discover the profound cultural shifts and the tragic impacts of introduced diseases on the native populace. Learn about the pivotal moments leading up to the 1893 coup that dismantled Hawaii's monarchy and the lasting legacy of its last queen in the face of imperialism.
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Kontiki Misconception
- Thor Heyerdahl's Kontiki expedition attempted to prove Polynesians originated from South America.
- However, scholarship confirms they originated in East Asia, using sophisticated navigation to reach Hawaii.
Cook's Encounters
- Captain Cook's first encounter with Hawaiians was amicable, involving trade and exchange.
- His second visit turned violent, resulting in his death and the British retaliating against the islanders.
Missionary Influence
- A young Hawaiian islander, educated at Yale and influenced by missionaries, encouraged them to visit Hawaii.
- Missionaries then sailed to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii's British name) to spread Christianity.