The history of American Samoa is characterized by indigenous Polynesian culture, European exploration, colonial rule, and its unique status as an unincorporated territory of the United States. The purpose of this study is to give an overview of key historical milestones in the history of American Samoa:
History of American Samoa
Early Polynesian Settlement:
- American Samoa was likely settled by Polynesians around 1000 BCE.
- The Samoan Islands were visited by European explorers in the 18th century, including Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and Jacob Roggeveen.
European Contact:
- In the 19th century, European powers, particularly Germany and the United States, began showing interest in the Pacific region.
- The United States signed treaties with Samoan chiefs in the late 19th century to establish a coaling station and naval base.
Tripartite Convention (1899):
- The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom signed the Tripartite Convention in 1899, which divided the Samoan archipelago.
- The eastern islands became a territory of the United States, while Germany gained control of the western islands.
Colonial Rule:
- The U.S. Navy governed American Samoa from 1900 to 1951, using it as a coaling station and naval base.
- During this period, the U.S. Navy implemented policies that influenced the social and economic structure of the islands.
World War II:
- American Samoa played a strategic role during World War II as a military outpost.
- The islands served as a base for U.S. forces engaged in the Pacific theater.
Post-War Developments:
- After World War II, American Samoa experienced economic changes, including the establishment of tuna canneries, which became a significant industry.
Local Government and Citizenship:
- The U.S. Congress enacted the American Samoa Citizenship Act in 1940, granting U.S. citizenship to residents of American Samoa.
- The establishment of local government institutions, including the American Samoa Fono, marked a move toward self-governance.
Compact of Free Association:
- American Samoa is not covered by the Compact of Free Association that applies to some other U.S. territories in the Pacific.
Unique Political Status:
- American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, meaning that not all provisions of the U.S. Constitution apply equally to the territory.
- The people of American Samoa are U.S. nationals, not U.S. citizens, unless they choose to become naturalized citizens.
Cultural Heritage:
- American Samoa maintains a strong connection to its Polynesian cultural heritage, including traditional dance, music, and language.
- Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan way of life, plays a crucial role in the daily lives of the islanders.
Environmental Conservation:
- American Samoa has shown commitment to environmental conservation and protection of marine resources.
- The National Park of American Samoa, established in 1988, preserves significant portions of the islands.
Contemporary Challenges:
- American Samoa faces challenges related to economic development, healthcare, and education, as well as issues associated with its unique political status.
American Samoa’s history reflects a blend of indigenous Polynesian traditions, European exploration, and the influence of U.S. colonial rule. The territory’s distinctive political status and cultural heritage contribute to its identity in the broader Pacific context.