key term - King Kamehameha

Definition

King Kamehameha, also known as Kamehameha the Great, was the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, unifying the Hawaiian Islands under his rule in the early 19th century. His leadership not only established a centralized monarchy but also played a crucial role in shaping Hawaiian society, land management, and cultural preservation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. King Kamehameha was born in 1758 and rose to power through a series of battles to unite the islands, achieving this goal by 1810.
2. He established a legal code that included rights for commoners, which was progressive for its time and helped reduce conflict among the islands.
3. Kamehameha's reign saw the implementation of the ahupua'a system, which integrated land management practices that balanced ecological sustainability with community needs.
4. He was known for his strategic alliances, both with foreign powers and local chiefs, which helped secure his rule and maintain peace among the islands.
5. Kamehameha is celebrated in Hawaiian culture and history through various mele and mo'olelo that highlight his accomplishments and the values he instilled in his people.

Review Questions

• How did King Kamehameha's leadership impact land division and resource management in Hawaii?
  • King Kamehameha's leadership significantly influenced land division through the implementation of the ahupua'a system. This system divided land into pie-shaped sections that extended from mountain to sea, allowing communities to access a variety of resources sustainably. By organizing land this way, Kamehameha ensured that resources were managed effectively, balancing ecological needs with agricultural and fishing practices to support the population.
• Discuss the role of oral traditions, such as mele and mo'olelo, in preserving King Kamehameha's legacy and promoting Hawaiian culture.
  • Oral traditions like mele and mo'olelo serve as vital tools for preserving King Kamehameha's legacy and promoting Hawaiian culture. These narratives recount his achievements and leadership qualities, helping to solidify his status as a cultural hero. Through storytelling, these traditions convey important lessons about community values, governance, and respect for the land, which continue to resonate within Hawaiian society today.
• Evaluate how King Kamehameha's establishment of a centralized monarchy influenced the social structure and governance of Hawaii in relation to traditional practices.
  • The establishment of a centralized monarchy under King Kamehameha fundamentally altered Hawaii's social structure and governance. By consolidating power and creating a unified kingdom, he disrupted traditional tribal divisions while still respecting cultural practices such as the kapu system. This shift allowed for more organized governance that could adapt to changes brought by foreign contact, while also preserving essential aspects of Hawaiian identity through a reformed legal system that included rights for commoners.

Related terms

Ali'i: The class of high-ranking nobles or chiefs in Hawaiian society, who held significant power and were responsible for the welfare of their communities.

Kapu System: A traditional system of laws and taboos governing social behavior and practices in ancient Hawaii, which was enforced by the ruling class.

Hawaiian Monarchy:

The political system of governance in Hawaii that included a series of monarchs, including Kamehameha, who ruled from the late 18th century until the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893.