Discussion questions
What problems did the Pacific State Proposal try to address? What solutions did it provide?
What are the main reasons given for the Pacific State Proposal? Are there any other reasons that might have influenced the proposal?
Do you think the Pacific State Proposal exhibits elements of affinity, appropriation, or both?
How did people in various places and positions respond to the Pacific State Proposal? Why?
Why do you think the Pacific State Proposal failed to advance in the Senate?
Do you think that the Pacific State Proposal achieved any of its aims, even though the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands was not annexed into the state of Hawaiʻi? Why or why not?
Do you think that the Pacific State Proposal offered a path to self-determination for the peoples of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands? Why or why not? If not, what would a better path look like?