Changes

{{USState

{{USState

|name=Hawaii

|name=Hawaii

|date=August 21, 1959 (50th)

|date=August 21, 1959 (50th)

}}

}}

==Ancient History==

==Ancient History==

The original settlers of the Hawaiian island chain were Polynesian explorers who voyaged in ocean-worthy canoes from the southern Pacific (primarily the Marquesas), arriving in the islands circa 300-600 AD.  In addition to their Polynesian culture and traditions, these earliest settlers brought with them an array of plants and animals.  A second wave of migrations between the Hawaiian and Society Islands took place circa 1000-1300 AD, and this wave brought an infusion of Tahitian religious forms and social structure to the inhabitants of Hawaii. This period ended around 1300 AD, after which the culture of the Hawaiians developed a distinct identity.<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&CategoryID=311</ref>

The original settlers of the Hawaiian island chain were Polynesian explorers who voyaged in ocean-worthy canoes from the southern Pacific (primarily the Marquesas), arriving in the islands circa 300-600 AD.  In addition to their Polynesian culture and traditions, these earliest settlers brought with them an array of plants and animals.  A second wave of migrations between the Hawaiian and Society Islands took place circa 1000-1300 AD, and this wave brought an infusion of Tahitian religious forms and social structure to the inhabitants of Hawaii. This period ended around 1300 AD, after which the culture of the Hawaiians developed a distinct identity.<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&CategoryID=311</ref>

Early visitors from Europe introduced Christianity to the native Hawaiians, but these were not part of any organized missionary campaign.  A Hawaiian from Kona, Henry Opukaha'ia, is acknowledged to be the first native Christian convert, and in 1808 he traveled to New England.  He spent the next 10 years in Connecticut seeking to inspire and organize missionaries to accompany him back to the islands, but he died in New England in 1818.  His work inspired others, though, and in 1819 the first missionaries (Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Dutch Reformists) were sent by American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the islands.  "You are to aim at nothing short of covering those islands with fruitful fields and pleasant dwellings, and schools and churches; of raising up the people to an elevated state of Christian civilization" was the parting instruction from Dr. Samuel Worchester, secretary of the commissioners.<ref>http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/06/16/millennium/index.html</ref>

Early visitors from Europe introduced Christianity to the native Hawaiians, but these were not part of any organized missionary campaign.  A Hawaiian from Kona, Henry Opukaha'ia, is acknowledged to be the first native Christian convert, and in 1808 he traveled to New England.  He spent the next 10 years in Connecticut seeking to inspire and organize missionaries to accompany him back to the islands, but he died in New England in 1818.  His work inspired others, though, and in 1819 the first missionaries (Presbyterians, Congregationalists and Dutch Reformists) were sent by American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions to the islands.  "You are to aim at nothing short of covering those islands with fruitful fields and pleasant dwellings, and schools and churches; of raising up the people to an elevated state of Christian civilization" was the parting instruction from Dr. Samuel Worchester, secretary of the commissioners.<ref>http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/06/16/millennium/index.html</ref>

The missionaries were not initially trusted by Liholiho, who instead placed them under probation.  A missionary headquarters was established in Honolulu, and one of the first priorities was to develop a consistent written form for the Hawaiian language, which was only spoken up to that time.  They also set up the first island printing press, and as other companies of missionaries arrived, they influenced changes in Hawaiian society as well as developments in education, organization of government and entrepreneurism. 0<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&PageID=277&returntoname=Short%20Stories&returntopageid=460</ref>

The missionaries were not initially trusted by Liholiho, who instead placed them under probation.  A missionary headquarters was established in Honolulu, and one of the first priorities was to develop a consistent written form for the Hawaiian language, which was only spoken up to that time.  They also set up the first island printing press, and as other companies of missionaries arrived, they influenced changes in Hawaiian society as well as developments in education, organization of government and entrepreneurialism. 0<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&PageID=277&returntoname=Short%20Stories&returntopageid=460</ref>

Unfortunately, not all of these changes were for the long-term benefit of the native Hawaiian culture.  One particular example was the disapproval and suppression of the ''hula'' by the missionaries.  The ''hula'' is a deep and complex form of recording legends, history and insights about man and nature into patterns of movements that to the uneducated look like elaborate dances.  The Hawaiians had no written version of their language prior to the arrival of the missionaries, and the rich collection of hulas passed from generation to generation was their primary form of recorded culture.  The Protestant missionaries arriving in 1820 believed that the ''hula'' dangerously promoted old heathen beliefs and celebrated physical enjoyment.  With this misunderstanding, they strongly pressured the Hawaiians who had converted to Christianity, including members of the monarchy, to eradicate ''hula''.  Their efforts drove the practice underground, and while much of Hawaii's ancient history and heritage was lost as a result, public appreciation and study of the true ''hula'' (as opposed to dances for tourists) was reawakened in the 1970s, studied, and documented for posterity.<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&CategoryID=253</ref>

Unfortunately, not all of these changes were for the long-term benefit of the native Hawaiian culture.  One particular example was the disapproval and suppression of the ''hula'' by the missionaries.  The ''hula'' is a deep and complex form of recording legends, history and insights about man and nature into patterns of movements that to the uneducated look like elaborate dances.  The Hawaiians had no written version of their language prior to the arrival of the missionaries, and the rich collection of hulas passed from generation to generation was their primary form of recorded culture.  The Protestant missionaries arriving in 1820 believed that the ''hula'' dangerously promoted old heathen beliefs and celebrated physical enjoyment.  With this misunderstanding, they strongly pressured the Hawaiians who had converted to Christianity, including members of the monarchy, to eradicate ''hula''.  Their efforts drove the practice underground, and while much of Hawaii's ancient history and heritage was lost as a result, public appreciation and study of the true ''hula'' (as opposed to dances for tourists) was reawakened in the 1970s, studied, and documented for posterity.<ref>http://www.hawaiihistory.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=ig.page&CategoryID=253</ref>

===Revolution of 1893===

===Revolution of 1893===

The modernization of Hawaiian society was incompatible with absolutre monarchy. The Hawaiian Revolution of 1893 when Hawaiian citizens (many of western descent) overthrew Queen Liliuokalani in response to her attempt to unilaterally impose a new constitution and seize power as an absolute ruler. The revolution was successful with the loss of no life. No Hawaiians tried to fight for their queen. The new Hawaiian government was set up as the Republic of Hawaii and it was recognized by every nation which had recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom.

The modernization of Hawaiian society was incompatible with absolute monarchy. The Hawaiian Revolution of 1893 when Hawaiian citizens (many of western descent) overthrew Queen Liliuokalani in response to her attempt to unilaterally impose a new constitution and seize power as an absolute ruler. The revolution was successful with the loss of no life. No Hawaiians tried to fight for their queen. The new Hawaiian government was set up as the Republic of Hawaii and it was recognized by every nation which had recognized the Hawaiian Kingdom.

During the Hawaiian Revolution, a few American troops landed to protect American life and property. They did not engage in fighting and did not occupy any government buildings. However, this action has lead many historical revisionists to falsely claim that the United States invaded Hawaii and deposed the Queen. American President [[Grover Cleveland]] was opposed to the Hawaiian Revolution and he sent [[James Henderson Blount]] to Hawaii to discredit it. Blount was a racist southerner who did not want any more colored people and he wrote a report that reflected his bigotry. He failed to swear in witnesses, refused to speak to many involved in the revolution, and then issued a report blaming the whole matter on an elaborate American plot to invade Hawaii. His Blount Report is cited as evidence of an illegal takeover of Hawaii by Hawaiian separatists to this day.

During the Hawaiian Revolution, a few American troops landed to protect American life and property. They did not engage in fighting and did not occupy any government buildings. However, this action lead many historical revisionists to falsely claim that the United States invaded Hawaii and deposed the Queen. American President [[Grover Cleveland]] was opposed to the Hawaiian Revolution and he sent [[James Henderson Blount]] to Hawaii to discredit it. Blount was a racist southerner who did not want any more colored people and he wrote a report that reflected his bigotry. He failed to swear in witnesses, refused to speak to many involved in the revolution, and then issued a report blaming the whole matter on an elaborate American plot to invade Hawaii. His Blount Report is cited as evidence of an illegal takeover of Hawaii by Hawaiian separatists to this day.

An investigation of the Hawaiian Revolution was conducted by [[Congress]] in 1894. It was bipartisan, swore in witnesses, and interviewed many that James Blount refused to talk with. Congress issued the Morgan Report which refuted the Blount Report and cleared the United States of any wrongdoing during the Hawaiian Revolution.

An investigation of the Hawaiian Revolution was conducted by [[Congress]] in 1894. It was bipartisan, swore in witnesses, and interviewed many that James Blount refused to talk with. Congress issued the Morgan Report which refuted the Blount Report and cleared the United States of any wrongdoing during the Hawaiian Revolution.

==The 20th Century==

==The 20th Century==

Hawaii was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941 at [[Pearl Harbor]]. This resulted in the death of over 2000 defenders and brought the United States into [[World War Two]].  

Hawaii was attacked by Japan on December 7, 1941, at [[Pearl Harbor]]. This resulted in the death of over 2000 defenders and brought the United States into [[World War Two]].  

The islands became a huge naval base and the staging point for the Pacific War. The islands were under martial law during the ar and controlled by the military.

The islands became a huge naval base and the staging point for the Pacific War. The islands were under martial law during the war and controlled by the military.

Hawaiian citizens voted overwhelmingly (93%) for statehood. It was accordingly added as the 50th American state in 1959.

Hawaiian citizens voted overwhelmingly (93%) for statehood. It was accordingly added as the 50th American state in 1959.

Since statehood, Hawaii has been dominated by the [[Democratic Party]]. [[John Kerry]] carried the state electoral vote in 2004 and the entire Congressional delegation is made up of Democrats. The [[Republican Party]] has made some recent progress with the current governor being a Republican. Despite that, Hawaii remains one of the most liberal states in the US. 67% of residents believe in social liberal policies.

Since statehood, Hawaii has been dominated by the [[Democratic Party]]. [[John Kerry]] carried the state electoral vote in 2004 and the entire Congressional delegation is made up of Democrats. The [[Republican Party]] has made some recent progress with the current governor being a Republican. Despite that, Hawaii remains one of the most liberal states in the US. 67% of residents believe in social liberal policies.

There is a tiny separatist movement on the islands which wishes to have Hawaii secede from the USA and form an independent Hawaiian nation. Proponents of this course argue that Hawaii was illegally annexed and should be "restored" to nationhood. The overwhelmingly majority of Hawaiians do not support this view and the separatists remain a small and powerless protest group. None of their leaders is of pure Hawaiian ancestry.

There is a tiny separatist movement on the islands which wishes to have Hawaii secede from the USA and form an independent Hawaiian nation. Proponents of this course argue that Hawaii was illegally annexed and should be "restored" to nationhood. The overwhelming majority of Hawaiians do not support this view and the separatists remain a small and powerless protest group. None of their leaders is of pure Hawaiian ancestry.

Hawaii offers a significant number of benefits to same sex couples, but has stopped short of offering [[Same Sex Marriage]].

Hawaii offers a significant number of benefits to same-sex couples but has stopped short of offering [[Same Sex Marriage]].

===Elected officials===

===Elected officials===

* Measured from the base to its peak, Hawaii's Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world at 33,474 feet, (compared to [[Mount Everest]] which is 29,028 feet above sea level).<ref>[http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2001/BeataUnke.shtml]</ref>

* Measured from the base to its peak, Hawaii's Mauna Kea is the tallest mountain in the world at 33,474 feet, (compared to [[Mount Everest]] which is 29,028 feet above sea level).<ref>[http://hypertextbook.com/facts/2001/BeataUnke.shtml]</ref>

*President [[Barack Obama]] is claimed to have been born in Hawaii.

* President [[Barack Obama]] was born in Hawaii.

==See also==

==See also==

==Sources==

==Sources==

*[http://www.mythichawaii.com An excellent look at how the tiki gods worshiping Hawaiians behaved before conversion to Christianity. Including their savage warriors weapons ''Mythic Hawaii'']

*[http://www.mythichawaii.com An excellent look at how the tiki gods worshiping Hawaiians behaved before conversion to Christianity. Including their savage warriors' weapons ''Mythic Hawaii'']

*[http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/15000.html Hawaii Quick Facts from the US Census Bureau]

*[http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/15000.html Hawaii Quick Facts from the US Census Bureau]

*[http://www.historyofnations.net/oceania/hawaii.html History of Hawaii]

*[http://www.historyofnations.net/oceania/hawaii.html History of Hawaii]

*[http://morganreport.org/ Morgan Report]

*[http://morganreport.org/ Morgan Report]

*[http://www.deephawaii.com/hawaiianhistory.htm Hawaiian history] - history of Hawaii from 300AD to 1900AD

*[http://www.deephawaii.com/hawaiianhistory.htm Hawaiian history] - history of Hawaii from 300AD to 1900AD

{{USstates}}

{{USstates}}

[[Category:States of the United States]]

[[Category:States of the United States]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Islands]]

[[Category:Hawaii]]

[[Category:Hawaii]]