Gyeongjong of Joseon vs Kamehameha IV

King Gyeongjong, under the influence of the Soron faction, purged the Noron faction. The Noron were accused of plotting to kill the king and install his half-brother Yeoning (later Yeongjo). Many Noron officials were executed or exiled.

A second purge under Gyeongjong targeted remaining Noron supporters. The Soron faction consolidated power, executing key Noron leaders. This further weakened the court and deepened factional divisions, setting the stage for Yeongjo's later reforms.

King Gyeongjong, who suffered from chronic illness, died suddenly at age 36. Rumors of poisoning circulated, but no evidence was found. His death ended the Soron-dominated reign and allowed Yeongjo to ascend the throne.

Alexander Liholiho became King Kamehameha IV at age 20 after the death of his uncle Kamehameha III. He inherited a kingdom facing increasing pressure from American and European interests.

Kamehameha IV resisted efforts to sign a reciprocity treaty with the United States that would have reduced tariffs on Hawaiian sugar. He feared it would lead to American political influence and eventual annexation.

Kamehameha IV and his wife Queen Emma founded Queen's Hospital (now The Queen's Medical Center) in Honolulu to provide healthcare for Native Hawaiians. The hospital was funded by public subscriptions and royal donations.

Kamehameha IV, with Queen Emma, invited the Church of England to establish a mission in Hawaii. He helped found the Anglican Church of Hawaii, which became the Hawaiian Reformed Catholic Church, as a counterbalance to American Protestant influence.

Kamehameha IV died at age 29 from chronic asthma, a condition that had plagued him for years. His death left the throne to his younger brother, who became Kamehameha V.