The Western Colonization of American Samoa
Samoan Life prior to Colonization
- Fa'a Samoa
- faith, family, and music; respect, love, service, discipline.
- Matai system.
- Government, economy, housing, language, education
- Pago Pago Harbor became a coaling depot for U.S. Navy
- U.S. Navy appointed Governors until 1951
- Has the influence of western colonization affected the traditional culture of American Samoa?
- If so, what are the differences between Samoan culture, prior to and post colonialism?
- What social changes occurred once the islands became a U.S. territory?
Social Changes
"Samoa Muamua Le Atua"
- June 13th, 1901 Samoan military group was established
- 1904 first public school opened
- 1954 navy begins to recruit Samoans
- 1964 reconstruction of education systems.
- Government employs 30% of workforce
- In 2010 American Samoa received $200 million from the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act.
As of 2014: Highest percent of military enlistment of any U.S. state or territory.
Material Culture
Historical Background
Siapo is one of the oldest Samoan art forms, which is beaten mulberry bark. Commonly known as barkcloth.
- The tripartite convention in 1899 divided the Samoan archipelago.
- South Pacific Ocean
- Islands: Tutuila, Ta'u, Ofu, Olosega, Aunu'u, Nu'utele
- Coral atolls: Swain's and Rose Islands
- Population est. 65,000
- Capitol: Pago Pago Harbor
- U.S. Currency
- 1900 American Samoa became an unorganized, unincorporated U.S. territory.
- Initial name of islands was “The U.S.Naval Station, Tutuila” changed to "American Samoa" in 1912.
- Benjamin Franklin Tilley
- In 1951 the government administration was transferred to the Department of Interior.
- 1978 Samoan elected governors
Globalization
April 17th, Flag Day celebration
- Pago Pago International Airport
- Largest industry: fishing and canning.
- Tuna makes up 94% of exports.
Overall, the indigenous culture and form of government has found itself in the 21st century, changed, but still authentically Samoan.
Presented by: Kodi Mullins