key term - Hui aloha 'aina

Definition

Hui aloha 'aina is an organization that emerged in the late 19th century, formed to resist the annexation of Hawaii by the United States. This group was composed mainly of native Hawaiians and their supporters, who aimed to preserve Hawaiian sovereignty and culture. The hui became a significant political force in advocating against foreign domination and defending the rights of the Hawaiian people during a time of intense political upheaval.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hui aloha 'aina was founded in 1893 in response to the growing threat of U.S. annexation, uniting those opposed to losing Hawaiian sovereignty.
2. The organization held mass meetings and protests, mobilizing thousands of supporters to advocate for the preservation of Hawaiian culture and rights.
3. Members of hui aloha 'aina sought to appeal to both local and international audiences to garner support against annexation efforts.
4. The hui played a crucial role in petitioning against the annexation, submitting a formal petition with over 21,000 signatures to the U.S. Congress in 1897.
5. Despite their efforts, the annexation was ultimately passed by Congress in 1898, leading to significant changes in Hawaiian governance and society.

Review Questions

• How did hui aloha 'aina respond to the political climate surrounding the annexation of Hawaii?
  • Hui aloha 'aina emerged as a direct response to the threat posed by U.S. annexation of Hawaii. The organization mobilized native Hawaiians and supporters through mass meetings and protests, aiming to preserve Hawaiian sovereignty and culture. Their advocacy included petitions to the U.S. Congress, showcasing widespread opposition among the Hawaiian population, which demonstrated their commitment to resist foreign control.
• What strategies did hui aloha 'aina use to raise awareness and support for their cause against annexation?
  • Hui aloha 'aina utilized a combination of grassroots mobilization, public meetings, and petitions to raise awareness about the dangers of annexation. They organized rallies that attracted large crowds, allowing members to articulate their concerns and rally community support. Additionally, they crafted a petition with over 21,000 signatures to present to Congress, effectively highlighting local opposition and calling for recognition of Hawaiian rights.
• Evaluate the impact of hui aloha 'aina on the broader historical context of Hawaiian resistance to U.S. expansionism during the late 19th century.
  • Hui aloha 'aina significantly impacted Hawaiian resistance against U.S. expansionism during the late 19th century by uniting various factions within Hawaiian society around a common cause. Their activism not only raised awareness about the injustices faced by native Hawaiians but also influenced public opinion on both local and national levels. Although they ultimately faced defeat with the annexation in 1898, their efforts laid the groundwork for future movements advocating for Hawaiian rights and sovereignty, shaping contemporary discussions around colonialism and identity in Hawaii.

Related terms

Queen Lili'uokalani:

The last reigning monarch of Hawaii, who sought to restore Hawaiian sovereignty and was deposed in a coup supported by American interests.

Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy: The illegal overthrow of Queen Lili'uokalani in 1893 by a group of American and European business interests, which led to the eventual annexation of Hawaii.

Annexation:

The act of incorporating a territory into another geopolitical entity, particularly referring to Hawaii's annexation by the United States in 1898.