Introduction
On January 31st, 1835 William Charles Lunalilo was born. He was the shortest ruling monarchy in Hawaiian history having ruled for only one year and twenty-three days. He was remarked for his generosity and love for his people. He was called "The People's King", because of how he came to power. When Kamehameha V died, he had not appointed an heir. Therefore, under the constitution of 1864, the legislature would be tasked with electing a new king out of the eligible royals alive. Lunalilo was the Highest Chief at the time and could have easily claimed the throne as his birthright, but he instead held an election for the people to decide. When he finally came to power as king he went to work giving more power to the people, the opposite of what Kamehameha V,his predecessor had done he had spent his reign sealing power into monarchy . Lunalilo's downfall was of his own creation, he was an alcoholic which caused his death in 1874. He was never married.
Thesis
Lunalilo was respected for what he did for his people, but he was forced to make hard decisions.
Lunalilo was respected for what he did for his people, but he was forced to make hard decisions.