Land dispossession

Definition

Land dispossession refers to the process by which indigenous or local populations are forcibly removed from their land, often resulting in loss of access to resources and cultural dislocation. This term is particularly relevant in understanding the historical context of colonization, where land was taken from native people by foreign powers under various pretexts, leading to significant socio-economic and cultural ramifications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Land dispossession in Hawaii began in earnest with the arrival of European missionaries and settlers in the early 19th century, who introduced new agricultural practices and private land ownership concepts.
2. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 was a pivotal moment that facilitated extensive land dispossession, leading to the annexation of Hawaii by the United States in 1898.
3. After annexation, large tracts of land were transferred to American corporations and settlers, drastically reducing the amount of land held by native Hawaiians.
4. Legal frameworks established during the annexation period legitimized land dispossession by disregarding native claims to ancestral lands.
5. Land dispossession has had lasting effects on native Hawaiian communities, including economic disenfranchisement, loss of cultural identity, and ongoing struggles for land rights and sovereignty.

Review Questions

• How did land dispossession contribute to the socio-economic changes in Hawaii during the late 19th century?
  • Land dispossession led to significant socio-economic changes in Hawaii as large areas of land were taken from native Hawaiians and redistributed to American settlers and corporations. This shift not only disrupted traditional agricultural practices but also altered the economic landscape by prioritizing cash crops like sugar and pineapple for export. Consequently, native Hawaiians faced economic disenfranchisement as they lost access to their resources and traditional ways of life.
• Evaluate the impact of the Mahele on land dispossession among native Hawaiians.
  • The Mahele was intended to modernize land ownership in Hawaii but ultimately facilitated widespread land dispossession among native Hawaiians. By dividing communal lands into individual parcels, many Hawaiians were unable to secure legal title due to a lack of understanding of Western legal systems. As a result, a significant portion of Hawaiian lands fell into the hands of foreign investors and settlers, exacerbating cultural dislocation and economic challenges for native populations.
• Assess the long-term implications of land dispossession for native Hawaiian sovereignty movements.
  • The long-term implications of land dispossession have been profound for native Hawaiian sovereignty movements. As Hawaiians continue to advocate for their rights to ancestral lands, they face ongoing challenges rooted in historical injustices stemming from annexation and colonial practices. The struggle for sovereignty is tied not only to issues of land rights but also to cultural preservation and self-determination. This ongoing movement highlights the need for reconciliation and recognition of indigenous rights within contemporary governance frameworks.

Related terms

Colonialism: The practice of acquiring full or partial political control over a country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.

Cultural Genocide: The systematic destruction of a group's culture, including language, traditions, and heritage, often accompanying land dispossession.

Mahele: The division of land in Hawaii during the 19th century, which played a critical role in the dispossession of native Hawaiians from their ancestral lands.