Bonus Blog # 2 Imperialism

Hawaiian Islands

The definition of the word "Imperialism" is described as "the policy of extending the rule or authority of an empire or a nation over foreign countries, or of acquiring and holding dependancies." But the word imperialism goes much deeper than just an empire ruling over a colony. Imperialism is not just connecting two different places by political status, it is when an empire changes the ways and culture of the new land they acquire; they influence the currency used, sports played, crops grown, and resources made.

The British Empire was one of the most successful empires throughout history; it was kingdoms from India, Australia, New Zealand, England, and Scotland all put togther. America also became an empire when it joined with Puerto Rico, Guatemala, The Philippine Islands, and certain parts of China.

After reading about the Hawaiian, Queen Liliuokalani, and her story of Hawaii being taken part of the American Empire it altered my views on the effect it made on these smaller countries and the people who lived there. The Queen was against becoming part of the new empire because she believed that it would be detrimental to their native islands which had such great independence. At one point, after America had successfully succeed Hawaii to become a part of their country, she says, "those poor Hawaiians, strangers on their native soil." She believed that their "crown lands" were not made to be for sale. I agree with Liliuokalani. Although what has happened in the past we cannot change, I think it was unjust for larger, more powerful countries, such as America and Britain, to take other dependencies and make them part of their own and force civilization on the people. Those people should have a right to do what they want and live as they please. But when a greater force comes in and conquers their land, the people have no choice but to adapt to the new lifestyles forced upon them. It is sad to know that many people, including Liliuokalani, we're distressed by this process and I wish that they could of kept their own identity and could of stayed independent as they hoped.

Overall, reading experts from this story has shown me new light to imperialism and how it changed our world from what it once was. Although Hawaii, and many other smaller colonies were succeed into larger empires, I hope their will always be a way to express their true native culture.