This book is meticulously researched; Coffman goes above and beyond in culling resources to push forward his main arguments. He derives his conclusion...moreThis book is meticulously researched; Coffman goes above and beyond in culling resources to push forward his main arguments. He derives his conclusions using an abundance of quotes and references from various primary and secondary sources. It’s not just Coffman’s analysis or opinions on display; with every paragraph, he manages to make points, create questions, settle arguments, and move forward the narrative with finely crafted references. It’s truly a dual-nation analysis as he not only covers the events and personalities involved in the plot to annex Hawai’i to the United States, but also analyzes the motives and actions of many key players in Washington D.C. Theodore Roosevelt and his rise to power is an ongoing narrative in the book that parallels the growing push of the United States toward an expansionist and militaristic policy. On the other end of the spectrum, Coffman also makes it a point to wipe away the historical notion that the overthrow and annexation were met with very little resistance. In "Nation Within" he references numerous sources pointing to a very strong, patriotic and intelligent Native Hawaiian resistance that existed to oppose the encroachment of their land by the proponents of annexation.