Question

According to Trask, what is the real reason why many Japanese American elected officials in Hawaii worked to undermine the Hawaiian sovereignty movement?

A) Economic interests, political power, cultural preservation.
B) Human rights advocacy, social justice, equality for all.
C) Fear of losing privileges, desire for assimilation, allegiance to the U.S.
D) Environmental concerns, land conservation, sustainable development.

Answer 1

The main reason Japanese American elected officials in Hawaii sought to undermine the Hawaiian sovereignty movement was fear of losing privileges and their desire for assimilation and allegiance to the U.S.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Trask, the real reason why many Japanese American elected officials in Hawaii worked to undermine the Hawaiian sovereignty movement was due to C) Fear of losing privileges, desire for assimilation, allegiance to the U.S..

These officials were concerned that the sovereignty movement would disrupt their achieved status, which was closely tied to their participation in American political structures and their recognition by the U.S. as citizens and patriots.

This allegiance was emphasized during WWII when Japanese Americans, although facing discrimination and internment, sought to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States, reasoning that the discrimination hurt the war effort and arguing against the logic of detainment by highlighting the essential role of Japanese inhabitants in Hawaii's economy and military infrastructure.

The historical context of Hawaiian annexation and issues surrounding the rights of Japanese Americans during and after WWII demonstrate these concerns. Events like the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and the annexation of Hawaii by the U.S., driven by economic incentives of American planters and geopolitical strategy, showcase how political and economic interests can shape the course of history and the lives of people involved.