Lost Kingdom summary

The Annexation of Hawaii

In Lost Kingdom, Julia Flynn Siler begins her narrative with the arrival of Captain Cook in the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, marking the beginning of a series of events that would lead to the annexation of the archipelago by the United States. The book explores the complex history of Hawaii, from its early days as a sovereign kingdom to its eventual status as a U.S. territory.

The author delves into the transformation of Hawaii from a pristine paradise to a global crossroads. The arrival of American missionaries in the early 19th century brought Christianity, literacy, and new diseases to the islands. The missionaries also played a significant role in the establishment of a constitutional monarchy in Hawaii, which sought to modernize the island nation.

Rise of the Sugar Barons

Siler then shifts her focus to the mid-19th century, a period dominated by the rise of the sugar industry. American and European businessmen, known as the Sugar Barons, established large plantations and began exploiting the islands' resources, particularly its native labor force. The book vividly portrays the social and economic transformation of Hawaii during this time, marked by the influx of immigrant workers and the growing influence of the foreign elite.

As the sugar industry thrived, so did the desire for Hawaii's annexation by the United States. The book highlights the complex relationships between the Hawaiian monarchy, the American business interests, and the U.S. government, revealing the power struggles and political maneuvering that ultimately led to Hawaii's loss of sovereignty.

The Overthrow of the Monarchy

Central to Lost Kingdom is the figure of Queen Liliʻuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. Siler provides a detailed account of Liliʻuokalani's reign and her efforts to restore power to the monarchy. The queen's attempt to promulgate a new constitution, which aimed to increase the monarch's authority, was met with resistance from the American business interests, leading to a political crisis.

In 1893, a group of American and European businessmen, with the support of the U.S. Marines, orchestrated a coup d'état, overthrowing the Hawaiian monarchy and establishing a provisional government. Queen Liliʻuokalani was forced to abdicate, marking the end of the Hawaiian Kingdom and the beginning of a new era under American influence.

The Road to Annexation

Following the overthrow, a treaty of annexation was proposed by the new government, but it faced strong opposition from the queen and her supporters. The book details the ensuing debate over Hawaii's fate, both in the islands and in the United States, highlighting the conflicting interests and ideologies at play.

In 1898, amid the Spanish-American War, the U.S. Congress passed a joint resolution to annex Hawaii, effectively making the islands a U.S. territory. Siler presents the annexation as a controversial and contested process, emphasizing the loss of autonomy and self-determination for the Hawaiian people.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Annexation

In conclusion, Lost Kingdom offers a comprehensive account of Hawaii's transformation from an independent kingdom to a U.S. territory. The book sheds light on the complex historical, social, and political factors that shaped this transition, and its lasting impact on the Hawaiian people.

Throughout the narrative, Siler emphasizes the resilience and resistance of the Hawaiian people in the face of colonization and annexation. She also explores the enduring legacy of these events, including the ongoing debates over Hawaiian sovereignty and the efforts to preserve the islands' unique culture and identity.