7.4 Economic and Social Changes in 19th Century Hawaii
2 min read•july 24, 2024
Hawaii's economy transformed in the 19th century. Whaling brought trade and foreign influence to ports like Honolulu and Lahaina. Later, sugar plantations reshaped the islands, shifting land ownership and labor patterns.
These economic changes sparked social shifts. Asian immigrants arrived to work plantations, bringing new cultures. Western influences altered Hawaiian society, from government to family structures. The islands became a unique multicultural blend.
Economic Developments in 19th Century Hawaii
Growth of Hawaiian whaling industry
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Top images from around the web for Growth of Hawaiian whaling industry
Whale Chart | Flickr - Photo Sharing! View original
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Whaling - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia View original
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- emerged in Hawaii during 1820s-1860s with Honolulu and Lahaina becoming major ports
- Economic impacts boosted trade and commerce, developed support industries (shipbuilding, repair, provisioning), and brought influx of foreign currency
- Social impacts led to population growth in port towns, cultural exchange between Hawaiians and foreign sailors, and introduced new diseases (smallpox, measles)
- Industry declined due to overhunting of whales and discovery of petroleum as alternative to whale oil
Rise of Hawaiian sugar industry
- growth fueled by favorable climate, soil conditions, and 1875 with US
- Economic impacts shifted from subsistence agriculture to plantation economy, consolidated land ownership, and developed irrigation systems ()
- Political impacts increased American influence in Hawaiian affairs, formed powerful sugar planter associations (), and pushed for US annexation
- Labor needs met through importation of from various countries (China, Japan, Philippines) creating multicultural plantation workforce
Social Changes in 19th Century Hawaii
Impact of Asian immigration
- Major immigrant groups included Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, and Filipino workers
- Cultural contributions introduced new languages, religions (Buddhism, Taoism), and customs, fusing culinary traditions (saimin, malasadas)
- Social challenges arose from racial tensions, discrimination, and formation of ethnic enclaves (Chinatown)
- Immigrants transitioned from plantation labor to small businesses and skilled trades (tailoring, carpentry)
- Long-term effects on demographics led to decline in native Hawaiian population and created multiethnic society
Western influence on Hawaiian society
- Traditional social hierarchy eroded and shifted from communal land ownership to private property
- adopted Western-style government structures and increased reliance on foreign advisors (, )
- Gender roles transformed, introducing Western concepts of gender division and changing women's traditional roles and rights
- Family structure shifted from extended family () to nuclear family model, altering child-rearing practices
- Religious changes spread Christianity and declined traditional (hula, kahunas)
- Educational reforms established Western-style schools and suppressed in education
Key Terms to Review (17)
Asian Immigration: Asian immigration refers to the movement of individuals from Asian countries to other regions, including Hawaii, primarily during the 19th century. This wave of immigration was largely driven by the demand for labor in plantations and other industries, significantly influencing the cultural, economic, and social landscape of Hawaii as diverse groups brought their traditions, customs, and skills.
Chinese Immigration: Chinese immigration refers to the movement of individuals from China to other countries, particularly to Hawaii during the 19th century, driven by various social, economic, and political factors. This migration significantly impacted Hawaii’s labor force, culture, and social dynamics, as large numbers of Chinese workers were brought in to support the sugar plantation economy and fill labor shortages.
Contract workers: Contract workers are individuals hired by an employer on a temporary basis to perform specific tasks or services, usually under the terms of a formal agreement. In 19th century Hawaii, contract workers played a crucial role in transforming the labor landscape, particularly in the sugar and pineapple industries, as plantation owners sought to meet the growing demands of production while managing costs.
Filipino immigration: Filipino immigration refers to the movement of individuals from the Philippines to other countries, particularly to the United States and Hawaii, in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions. This migration trend increased significantly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly as Hawaii's plantation economy expanded and required a diverse labor force to sustain its growth.
Hamakua Ditch: The Hamakua Ditch is a historic irrigation system on the Big Island of Hawaii, constructed in the early 20th century to divert water from streams in the Hamakua region for agricultural use. This engineering feat played a crucial role in supporting the sugar plantation economy, which was a major driver of economic and social changes in 19th century Hawaii, transforming the landscape and labor dynamics.
Hawaiian language: The Hawaiian language is an indigenous Polynesian language spoken in Hawaii, characterized by its unique phonetics and cultural significance. As a key element of Hawaiian identity, it has been integral in the preservation of traditions, values, and history throughout various economic and social changes during the 19th century. The revival of the Hawaiian language movement in recent years highlights its importance in education, community, and cultural pride.
Hawaiian Monarchy: The Hawaiian Monarchy refers to the period of royal rule in Hawaii, beginning with King Kamehameha I in 1810 and ending with the overthrow of Queen Liliʻuokalani in 1893. This monarchy was characterized by its efforts to modernize the islands and navigate significant social and economic changes influenced by Western contact.
Hawaiian Spiritual Practices: Hawaiian spiritual practices refer to the diverse set of beliefs, rituals, and ceremonies that are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people. These practices encompass a holistic worldview that honors the relationship between humans, nature, and the divine, emphasizing connection to land, ancestors, and the spirits of the environment. As economic and social changes swept through Hawaii in the 19th century, these spiritual practices faced challenges but also adapted to reflect new realities while striving to preserve cultural identity.
HSPA: HSPA, or Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Association, was an organization formed in the late 19th century to represent the interests of sugar planters in Hawaii. It played a crucial role in shaping Hawaii's economic landscape by promoting the sugar industry, negotiating labor contracts, and influencing local and federal policies that benefited sugar production.
Judd: Judd refers to the influential figure of William P. Judd, who played a significant role in the economic and social landscape of 19th century Hawaii. His contributions helped shape agricultural practices and the sugar industry, which became the backbone of Hawaii's economy during this period. Judd's impact extended beyond agriculture, influencing labor systems and the integration of immigrants into Hawaiian society.
Kapu system: The kapu system was a set of ancient Hawaiian laws and practices that regulated behavior and resource management within society, establishing strict rules about sacred places, rituals, and social conduct. This system played a significant role in maintaining social order and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources by designating certain areas or practices as off-limits or prohibited, thereby protecting the environment and cultural practices.
Ohana: Ohana is a Hawaiian term that translates to 'family' in English, but it carries a much deeper meaning in Hawaiian culture. It encompasses not just the immediate family but also extended family and close friends, highlighting the importance of connection, support, and responsibility among individuals. In the context of 19th century Hawaii, ohana was crucial as it shaped social structures and influenced economic changes, serving as a foundation for community resilience amid the shifting landscape of Hawaiian society.
Portuguese Immigration: Portuguese immigration refers to the movement of individuals from Portugal to Hawaii during the 19th century, driven primarily by labor demands in the sugar plantations. This immigration significantly influenced Hawaii's demographic makeup, economy, and cultural landscape as Portuguese immigrants brought their traditions, skills, and a strong work ethic to the islands.
Reciprocity Treaty: The Reciprocity Treaty was an agreement established in 1875 between the Kingdom of Hawaii and the United States that allowed for the duty-free importation of Hawaiian sugar into the U.S. This treaty significantly impacted Hawaii's economy by increasing sugar production and export, leading to greater economic reliance on the U.S. market and influencing social changes as well.
Richards: Richards refers to the influential figure of Charles Reed Bishop, who was an American businessman and politician in 19th century Hawaii. He played a crucial role in the economic development and social changes during this period, especially in relation to the sugar industry and banking systems, which significantly transformed Hawaii's economy and society.
Sugar industry: The sugar industry refers to the agricultural and economic sector that focuses on the cultivation of sugarcane and the processing of its juice into sugar products. In 19th century Hawaii, this industry became a significant driver of economic growth, influencing social structures and labor dynamics within the islands.
Whaling industry: The whaling industry refers to the commercial hunting of whales for their oil, meat, and other products, which became a significant economic activity in Hawaii during the 19th century. This industry played a crucial role in transforming the Hawaiian economy and society, as it attracted foreign traders and influenced local customs and labor dynamics, while also contributing to environmental changes in the region.