Sugar industry

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The sugar industry became Hawaii's leading economic force by the mid-19th century, transforming the islands into a major supplier for global markets.
2. Sugar plantations often relied on immigrant labor, bringing workers from places like China, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines to fill workforce gaps.
3. The growth of the sugar industry led to significant land changes, as native Hawaiian lands were converted into vast plantations for sugarcane cultivation.
4. Hawaii's sugar economy was heavily influenced by external factors, including tariffs and international trade agreements that affected sugar prices.
5. The decline of the sugar industry in Hawaii began in the mid-20th century due to increased competition from cheaper sources elsewhere and changing agricultural practices.

Review Questions

• How did the sugar industry shape labor dynamics in 19th century Hawaii?
  • The sugar industry significantly altered labor dynamics in 19th century Hawaii by creating a demand for a large workforce. This demand led to the importation of laborers from various countries, including China, Japan, and Portugal. As a result, Hawaii's population became more diverse, and different cultural practices emerged on the plantations. The reliance on immigrant labor also meant that many workers lived under challenging conditions and contributed to discussions about labor rights and social justice.
• In what ways did the expansion of the sugar industry impact land ownership and use in Hawaii?
  • The expansion of the sugar industry drastically changed land ownership and usage in Hawaii. Large tracts of native Hawaiian lands were appropriated for plantation development, disrupting traditional agricultural practices and ways of life. This shift not only marginalized native populations but also established a plantation economy that prioritized cash crops over subsistence farming. Consequently, land became concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy plantation owners, leading to socioeconomic disparities within Hawaiian society.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the sugar industry’s decline on Hawaii's economy and cultural identity.
  • The decline of the sugar industry had profound long-term effects on Hawaii's economy and cultural identity. As plantation operations diminished, Hawaii faced significant economic challenges, prompting shifts towards tourism and other sectors for revenue. Culturally, the fading of the sugar industry allowed for a resurgence of native Hawaiian identity as communities sought to reclaim their heritage and traditions that had been overshadowed during the plantation era. This transition highlights how economic shifts can lead to both challenges and opportunities for cultural revitalization.

Related terms

Plantation System: A system of large-scale agriculture that relies on the labor of workers, often immigrants, to cultivate cash crops like sugarcane.

Labor Importation: The practice of bringing in workers from other regions or countries, particularly during the sugar industry's boom, to meet labor demands on plantations.

Monoculture: The agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a wide area, which was prevalent in sugar production in Hawaii, impacting local ecosystems.