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Hawaiian Kingdom facts for kids

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Hawaiian Kingdom

Aupuni Mōʻī o Hawaiʻi
  • 1795–1893

1893–1895: Government-in-exile
Coat of arms of Hawaii
Coat of arms
Motto: 
  • Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono
  • "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"
Anthem: 
Hawaiian Kingdom
Hawaiian Kingdom
Capital
Common languages Hawaiian, English
Religion
Church of Hawaii
Government Absolute monarchy (until 1840)
Constitutional monarchy (from 1840)
Monarch  
• 1795–1819
Kamehameha I (first)
• 1891–1893
Liliʻuokalani (last)
Kuhina Nui  
• 1819–1832
Kaʻahumanu (first)
• 1863–1864
Kekūanāoʻa (last)
Legislature Legislature
House of Nobles
House of Representatives
History  
• Inception
May, 1795
March/April 1810
October 8, 1840
February 25 – July 31, 1843
• Anglo-Franco Proclamation
November 28, 1843
January 17, 1893
• Abdication of Queen Liliʻuokalani
January 24, 1895
Population
• 1780
400,000 – 800,000
• 1800
250,000
• 1832
130,313
• 1890
89,990
Currency
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Ancient Hawaii
Paulet Affair (1843)
Paulet Affair (1843)
Provisional Government of Hawaii
Today part of

The Hawaiian Kingdom (also called Kingdom of Hawaiʻi) started in 1795. This was when the separate islands of Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi joined together under one government. By 1810, all the Hawaiian Islands were united. This happened when Kauaʻi and Niʻihau chose to join the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi.

Two main royal families ruled the kingdom: the House of Kamehameha and the House of Kalākaua. Other powerful countries in Europe recognized Hawaii as its own kingdom. The United States became Hawaii's most important trading partner. The U.S. also kept an eye on the Kingdom to make sure no other country, like Britain or Japan, tried to take control.

In 1887, Hawaii had to accept a new constitution. This happened because King Kalākaua was threatened by a group called the Honolulu Rifles. This group was against the monarchy. Queen Liliʻuokalani, who became queen in 1891, tried to change this constitution. She wanted to create a new one. However, she was overthrown in 1893. This was mainly done by the Committee of Safety. This group included Hawaiian citizens and people from America, Britain, and Germany. Many of them had studied in the U.S. and felt very American. After this, Hawaii became a republic. Then, in 1898, the United States officially took over Hawaii. This was done through a law called The Newlands Resolution. Hawaii then became the Territory of Hawaii.

The Start of the Hawaiian Kingdom

The Hawaiian Kingdom began when different islands came together. This happened in 1795 under the rule of Kamehameha I. He was a powerful leader who brought many islands under his control.

How Hawaii Became One Kingdom

  • 1795: The islands of Hawaiʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi joined together. This created the first united government.
  • 1810: The last two islands, Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, chose to join the kingdom peacefully. This completed the unification of all the Hawaiian Islands.

Important Rulers of Hawaii

The Hawaiian Kingdom was led by two main royal families. These families guided the country for many years.

The Kamehameha Family

The first ruling family was the House of Kamehameha. They established the kingdom and helped it grow.

  • Kamehameha I (1795–1819): He was the first king and united the islands.
  • Other Kamehameha Rulers: Several other kings from this family followed, working to make Hawaii a strong nation.

The Kalākaua Family

Later, the House of Kalākaua took over. They faced new challenges as more foreign countries became interested in Hawaii.

  • King Kalākaua (1874–1891): He traveled the world and tried to protect Hawaii's independence.
  • Queen Liliʻuokalani (1891–1893): She was the last monarch of Hawaii. She tried to restore the power of the Hawaiian people.

Hawaii's Place in the World

The Hawaiian Kingdom was recognized by many powerful countries. This meant they saw Hawaii as a real and independent nation.

Friends and Trading Partners

  • European Powers: Countries like Britain and France saw Hawaii as a sovereign state.
  • United States: The U.S. became Hawaii's main partner for trade. They also watched over Hawaii to prevent other countries from taking control.

Challenges to the Kingdom

Even though Hawaii was independent, it faced many challenges. Foreign influence grew stronger over time.

The 1887 Constitution

In 1887, King Kalākaua was forced to sign a new constitution. This document, known as the "Bayonet Constitution," took away much of the king's power. It also gave more power to foreign residents.

  • Why it happened: A group called the Honolulu Rifles, who were against the monarchy, threatened the king.

The Overthrow of the Monarchy

Queen Liliʻuokalani tried to create a new constitution. She wanted to give power back to the Hawaiian people. However, a group called the Committee of Safety worked to remove her from power.

  • January 17, 1893: Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown.
  • Aftermath: Hawaii became a republic for a short time. Then, in 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii, making it a U.S. territory.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Reino de Hawái para niños

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