Colonialism

Definition

Colonialism is the practice of acquiring control over another country or territory, often by establishing settlements and exploiting resources for economic gain. It typically involves the domination of one nation over another, leading to cultural, political, and social changes that can have long-lasting effects on the colonized regions. This dynamic played a significant role in shaping the relationships between foreign powers and indigenous populations, especially during periods of territorial expansion and annexation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Colonialism in Hawaii began in the late 18th century with increased foreign interest from various nations, impacting local governance and resource management.
2. The Committee of Safety was formed in 1893 by American and European residents in Hawaii who sought to overthrow the Hawaiian monarchy and establish a government aligned with their interests, reflecting colonialist ambitions.
3. Annexation by the United States in 1898 marked a significant point of colonialism in Hawaii, as it led to the formal incorporation of Hawaii into the United States, diminishing native sovereignty.
4. Colonialism disrupted traditional Hawaiian society and culture, as foreign powers imposed their systems of governance, education, and economy upon the islands.
5. The legacy of colonialism in Hawaii continues to affect contemporary issues regarding land rights, cultural preservation, and native sovereignty movements.

Review Questions

• How did foreign interests contribute to the establishment of the Committee of Safety in Hawaii?
  • Foreign interests played a crucial role in the formation of the Committee of Safety as American and European business leaders sought to protect their economic investments in Hawaii. They feared losing their influence following changes in local governance and aimed to assert control over the islands. By establishing this committee, they could organize a coup against Queen Liliʻuokalani's monarchy and facilitate their goals of annexation, ultimately leading to deeper colonial ties with the United States.
• Discuss the implications of U.S. annexation on the native Hawaiian population and their culture.
  • The U.S. annexation of Hawaii had profound implications for the native Hawaiian population, significantly undermining their sovereignty and traditional way of life. After annexation, policies were implemented that prioritized American values and systems over native practices, leading to cultural assimilation and loss. This included changes in governance, education, and land ownership that marginalized native voices and disrupted community structures. The effects of these policies are still felt today as Hawaiians seek to reclaim their identity and rights.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of colonialism on Hawaii's political landscape and cultural identity.
  • The long-term impacts of colonialism on Hawaii's political landscape include ongoing struggles for sovereignty among Native Hawaiians and debates over land rights, which are rooted in historical injustices from annexation. The imposition of foreign governance disrupted traditional practices and led to a decline in native language and culture. Today, there is a resurgence in efforts to revive Hawaiian language and traditions as part of cultural identity reclamation. This reflects a broader movement within post-colonial contexts where formerly colonized peoples seek to assert their heritage against imposed identities.

Related terms

Imperialism: A broader concept that encompasses colonialism, referring to the policy of extending a country's power and influence through diplomacy or military force.

Cultural Assimilation: The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and values of another culture, often as a result of colonial influence.

Settler Colonialism: A form of colonialism that involves large-scale migration to a new territory with the intent to permanently settle and establish control over the land, often at the expense of indigenous populations.