Origins of the Hawaiian Kingdom

Summary

The transcript outlines the transformation of the Hawaiian Kingdom from an absolute monarchy under King Kamehameha I to a constitutional monarchy under King Kamehameha III. The Kingdom's significant milestones include the Declaration of Rights in 1839, the first constitution in 1840, and securing international recognition as an independent state in 1843. By then, Hawaii was a member of the family of nations with a comprehensive legal system, fixed territorial boundaries, and a robust diplomatic presence. The Hawaiian Kingdom was fully functional and sovereign until its overthrow in 1893.

Takeaways

• 👑 The H Kingdom was established by Kim I when he unified the Hne islands.
• ⚖️ Kim I was an absolute monarch where government and monarch were one, without courts or legislative processes.
• 👑 After Kim I's death, his son KEH II Lio Lio succeeded him, followed by his younger brother, Kim III Kaoli, in 1824.
• ⚖️ Kim III Kaoli initiated the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy in 1839 by establishing the Declaration of Rights.
• 📜 The 1840 Constitution of the H Kingdom separated the King from the government, making the King a chief executive like a president.
• 🌍 In 1842, Kim III sent envoys to the U.S. and Europe, securing international recognition for Hawaii as an independent state in 1843.
• 📅 Hawaii's independence was formally recognized on November 28, 1843, putting it on equal footing with nations like England, France, and the U.S.
• 🌐 From 1843 to 1893, Hawaii engaged in international treaties and diplomacy, establishing ambassadors and ministers worldwide.
• ⚖️ The H Kingdom had a complete system of laws, including criminal and civil laws, a legislative process, and a full judicial system.
• 🌍 By January 16, 1893, Hawaii was a fully functional nation with fixed territorial boundaries, an active population, and extensive trade relations.

Q & A

Who was the first monarch to establish the H Kingdom, and how did he rule?

Kim the First established the H Kingdom by unifying the Hne islands. He ruled as an absolute monarch, where the government and the man were one and the same, meaning there were no separate courts or legislative processes.

What was the significance of Kim II Lio's reign in the H Kingdom?

Kim II Lio's reign marked the continuation of absolute monarchy in the H Kingdom. After his death in 1824, his younger brother, Kim III Kaoli, ascended to the throne.

What major changes did Kim III Kaoli introduce during his reign?

Kim III Kaoli initiated the transition from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. In 1839, he issued the Declaration of Rights, declaring equal treatment for both chiefs and subjects under the law. In 1840, he established the first constitution for the H Kingdom, separating the king from the government.

How did the establishment of the first constitution in 1840 change the structure of the H Kingdom?

The constitution established in 1840 separated the king from the government. Kim III became the chief executive, similar to the role of a president, marking a significant shift from absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.

Why did Kim III dispatch envoys to the United States and Europe, and what did they accomplish?

In December 1842, Kim III sent envoys to the United States and Europe to secure recognition of Hawaii's independence. They successfully gained recognition from England and France, which formally declared Hawaii’s independence on November 28, 1843.

What was the significance of November 28, 1843, for the H Kingdom?

On November 28, 1843, Hawaii was officially recognized as an independent state by England and France, becoming a member of the family of nations and standing on equal footing with major powers like England, France, and the United States.

How did Hawaii engage with other nations after being recognized as an independent state?

After gaining recognition, Hawaii entered into most-favored-nation treaties with other countries, establishing diplomatic relationships and engaging in commerce and trade.

What legal systems and government structures did the H Kingdom develop between 1843 and 1893?

Between 1843 and 1893, the H Kingdom developed a comprehensive system of laws, including both criminal and civil laws. It also had a legislative process, an executive branch, and a judicial court system with a Supreme Court, circuit courts, district courts, and police courts.

What defined the territorial boundaries and population of the H Kingdom during its sovereignty?

The H Kingdom had fixed territorial boundaries that included the Hawaiian archipelago and Pyra Island to the south. Its population consisted of Hawaiian subjects, who were the recognized nationality of the country.

How did the H Kingdom maintain diplomatic relations with other countries?

The H Kingdom maintained over 90 consulates around the world and had ambassadors and ministers assigned to them, actively participating in international commerce and trade.