Mei-Lan Granger » Modern History of Hawaii

Modern History of Hawaii

This semester 1 course is designed to give students a greater understanding of the people, places, and events that have shaped the path of our great state, Hawaii, from the 1891 to today.  This is a half credit course and requirement for graduation.

 

The following is a general guideline for the essential understanding students will be striving for during this semester course:

 

Quarter 1:

  • Explain the political, social, and economic causes of the Overthrow, including the Mahele, Reciprocity Treaty, and Bayonet Constitution.
  • Explain the events and turning points of the Overthrow, beginning with foreign movement against King Kalakaua, Queen Liliuokalani’s attempts to change the Bayonet Constitution, and her abdication from the throne.
  • Describe the role of the United States government in the Overthrow, including the various United States administrations and Minister John Stevens.
  • Explain the political, social, and economic effects of the Overthrow, including U.S. military presence, the Organic Trade, the Territorial government, including how limited governments differ from unlimited ones.
  • Describe the political, social, and economic effects of the plantation system on life in Hawaii, including ethnic tension, the evolution of Hawaii pidgin English, the school system, and the establishment of labor unions.
  • Examine and explain features of plantation life in Hawaii in the 20th century, including contract labor and perquisite system.

 

Quarter 2:

  • Identify the events leading to the bombing of Pearl Harbor and describe its effects in Hawaii, such as the role of the U.S. military and anti-Japanese sentiments )including the internment camps and the 442nd).
  • Trace the development of the platforms of the political parties after World War II to the present.
  • Analyze significant contemporary issues that influence present day Hawaii, such as the Hawaiian Renaissance, the sovereignty movement, current land issues, and the influx of new immigrant groups.