PBS Hawai‘i Presents Nation Within: The Story of America’s Annexation of Hawai‘i

In 1998, a locally made film exposed what Native Hawaiians had written, talked and sang about for a century: the true story of how and why Hawai‘i became part of the United States. The film destroyed the false narrative fueled by ruthless self-serving businessmen in Hawai‘i and expansionists within the U.S. government that Native Hawaiians were willing participants in giving up their sovereignty.

Queen Lili‘uokalani fought against U.S. annexation. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

Tom Coffman’s film Nation Within: The Story of America’s Annexation of Hawai‘i recounts the exhaustive efforts by Queen Lili‘uokalani and her supporters to resist annexation amid the belief that American leaders would acknowledge the illegality of such a move and restore the monarchy overthrown by descendants of missionaries and others with the backing of the U.S. military. The timeline and truths presented in the film are supported by historical documentation from the five-year period between the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893 and annexation in 1898.

Scholars at the time and since have questioned how the United States, supposedly the world’s greatest democracy, put democracy aside in lieu of imperialist expansion across the globe that included Hawai‘i, the Philippines, Guam, the Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico.

A petition by Hawai‘i citizens opposing annexation. Photo: Courtesy of PBS Hawai‘i

On Nov. 16, Insights on PBS Hawai‘i presents a live discussion, “Hawai‘i’s Annexation: Why Knowledge of the History Matters” at 7:30 p.m. Viewers are encouraged to participate in the discussion by sending in questions or comments by calling in or via Facebook Live and YouTube Live.

Following Insights at 8:30 p.m., PBS Hawai‘i will present a special 90-minute version of the film Nation Within: The Story of America’s Annexation of Hawai‘i.

Insights on PBS Hawai‘i
Hawai‘i’s Annexation: Why Knowledge of the History Matters
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.

PBS Hawai‘i Presents
Nation Within: The Story of America’s Annexation of Hawai‘i
Thursday, Nov. 16, 8:30 p.m.

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Every month, HONOLULU publishes a blog written by the folks at PBS Hawai‘i, the only locally owned, statewide television station in Hawai‘i that receives support mainly through donations. Visit pbshawaii.org to learn more about exceptional, locally produced shows and the most prominent provider of educational and national programming. Explore music and the arts, discover in-depth documentaries and learn what makes Hawai‘i so special. Follow PBS Hawai‘i on all platforms: @pbshawaii