TONIGHT: The American Civil War and the Neutrality Act 1861

The American Civil War and the Neutrality Act of 1861

Presented by the King Kamehameha V Judiciary History Center and the Friends of the Judiciary History Center

Friday, November 22, 2013. 5:30pm to 7:30pm Nearly 5,000 miles away and separated by the vast Pacific Ocean, the Hawaiian Kingdom is often overlooked in the annals of American Civil War history. At the outbreak of the American Civil War in1861, King Kamehameha IV declared neutrality for the Kingdom of Hawaii, yet more than 100 people from Hawaii fought in the war on both sides.  Who were these men? How did the Union blockade of southern ports in the United States benefit the Hawaiian nation? How did the Civil War contribute to the emergence of Hawaiʻi as a majorsugar producer and exporter? Neil Dukas, military historian, provides an overview of the islands' military history. Anita Manning, historian, shares residents' reaction to the war. Nanette Napoleon, researcher, tells the stories of Union General Samuel Armstrong and others who fought in the war. Dr. Justin Vance (Hawaiʻi Pacific University) discusses the Neutrality Act and its impact. This presentation is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by calling (808) 539-4999 no later than November 21, 2013.