Kamehameha I versus Kamehameha V Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Kamehameha I versus Kamehameha V - Essay Example The first war he waged was in Hana area of Maui, to fight with Kalanikupule’s army under the leadership of Kapakilili. With the war evenly leveled out and with no definite winner, Kamehameha used the British acquired cannons to his advantage, and completely massacred Kapililis army. 3 Kamehemeha’s greatest enemy was Keaua in Hile; who at that time was dividing land among his chiefs, and declared war on the reign of Kamehamela I. With the fierce rivalry between them, Kamehameha I sought for trickery and invited Keaua to come for a peace sacrifice to the god of war, Heiau. Keaua attended the sacrifice ignoring advice from his generals of Kamehameha intentions, and his canoe was attacked and he was eventually killed.. In 1795, Kemehameha’s war party went to Maui, then Molakai, and he later sailed to Oahu where he conquered these lands. Kalanikupule’s forces were routed at Naauanu, and his chiefs and warriors were all killed. Kalanikupules escaped and hid for two years, and was later captured by Kamehameha and killed. This signified the end of war and the entire island of Hawaii were unified and enjoyed peace under the reign of Kamehameha. Kamehameha used the rule of law based on the traditional religion to control the island, and one of the majo r laws in place was the rule of the splintering paddle.4 The rule stated that punishment for robbery and murder was death by the paddle in public. Not new to treachery, Kamehameha kept his chiefs near his court as he closely observed them. 5 George Vancouver, a British emissary to North West coast became a great friend to Kamehameha and eventually Kamehameha ceded Hawaii to British rule. Kamehameha had to restructure his government to be in accordance to the British Empire demands; on the agreement, the British Empire was not to interfere with the running of the islands. Kamehameha had to seek advice from two of the British counsels in