Which of the following is not true about king kalakaua?
a. he had ‘iolani palace constructed.
b. he revived the ancient hawaiian sport of surfing.
c. he encouraged foreign trade.
d. he was known as the merrie monarch.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is c. he encouraged foreign trade.
Explanation:
King Kalākaua, who reigned as the last king of the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1874 until his death in 1891, is a significant figure in Hawaiian history, known for his efforts to revive Hawaiian culture and strengthen the monarchy. Here’s a closer look at the options to understand why option c is the correct answer:
a. He had ‘Iolani Palace constructed.
This statement is true. Kalākaua commissioned the construction of ‘Iolani Palace, which was completed in 1882. It served as the official residence for the Hawaiian monarchy and is notable for being the only royal palace in the United States. The palace represents a blend of Hawaiian and European architectural styles and symbolizes the pride and cultural identity of the Hawaiian people.
b. He revived the ancient Hawaiian sport of surfing.
This statement is also true. King Kalākaua played a vital role in revitalizing Hawaiian cultural practices, including surfing, which had deep historical and cultural significance in Hawaii. His efforts contributed to a resurgence of interest in traditional Hawaiian sports and customs, making surfing popular again among both Hawaiians and visitors.
c. He encouraged foreign trade.
While Kalākaua was not against foreign trade, the phrasing “he encouraged foreign trade” can be misleading. His reign was marked by increasing foreign influence and intervention, particularly from the United States and European powers, which led to economic pressures that ultimately undermined the sovereignty of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Kalākaua’s administration focused more on cultural revival and strengthening the monarchy than on actively promoting foreign trade, which is why this statement is not entirely true.
d. He was known as the Merrie Monarch.
This statement is true. Kalākaua was affectionately nicknamed the “Merrie Monarch” due to his love for festivities, music, and dance, embodying the spirit of joy and celebration in Hawaiian culture.
In summary, while King Kalākaua did support economic development, his legacy is more aligned with cultural revival than a strong emphasis on foreign trade, making option c the correct answer.