Hawaii, state, United States: The Rule of Kamehameha I

In 1810 Kamehameha I (see under Kamehameha became the sole sovereign of all the islands, and, in the peace that followed, agriculture and commerce were promoted. As a result of Kamehameha's hospitality, American traders were able to exploit the islands' sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. Trade with China reached its height during this period. However, the period of Kamehameha's rule was also one of decline. Europeans and Americans brought with them devastating infectious diseases, and over the years the native population was greatly reduced. The adoption of Western ways—trading for profit, using firearms, and drinking liquor—contributed to the decline of native cultural tradition. This period also marked the breakdown of the traditional Hawaiian religion, with its belief in idols and human sacrifice; years of religious unrest followed.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• World War II and Statehood
• The Overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and Annexation
• Development of the Sugar Industry
• Influence of the Missionaries
• The Rule of Kamehameha I
• Early Settlers and Explorers
• Government, Politics, and Higher Education
• Economy
• Land and People
• Facts and Figures

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