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How did American Samoa come under control?
American Samoa became a U.S. territory by deed of cession, starting in 1900. The matai (local chiefs) of Tutuila, the largest island in American Samoa, ceded the island to the United States in 1900. Authority over American Samoa was initially placed with the U.S. Navy which oversaw the territory until 1951.
Why did America take over Samoa?
In 1872 the high chief of the tribes of the eastern Samoan islands gave America permission to establish a naval base in exchange for military protection. The eastern Samoan islands became territories of the United States and later became known as American Samoa.
When did the US gain control of Samoa?
The eastern islands became territories of the United States in 1904 and today are known as American Samoa. The western islands became known as Western Samoa (now just Samoa), passing from German control to New Zealand in 1914.
Does the US control Samoa?
American Samoa is an unincorporated and unorganized territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior. American Samoa’s constitution was ratified in 1966 and came into effect in 1967. Executive power is exercised by the governor.
How did Samoa come to be?
Samoa gained its independence from New Zealand in 1962 after more than a century of foreign influence and domination, but it remains a member of the Commonwealth. The country was known as Western Samoa until 1997. Its capital and main commercial centre is Apia, on the island of Upolu.
Does the US own American Samoa?
American Samoa is the only unincorporated territory of the United States where the inhabitants are not American citizens at birth.
How do you become a US territory?
The U.S. Congress—both House and Senate—pass, by a simple majority vote, a joint resolution accepting the territory as a state. The President of the United States signs the joint resolution and the territory is acknowledged as a U.S. state.
How did the US get Guam?
In the late 1890s, tensions began mounting with Spain. As part of their campaign during the Spanish-American War, the United States captured Guam in a bloodless landing on June 21, 1898. In 1898, the Treaty of Paris formalized the handover, and Guam officially came under U.S. rule.
Why did Samoa become independent?
A worldwide trend towards decolonisation after the Second World War and increased pressure from the newly formed United Nations led New Zealand to prepare for Samoan independence. Western Samoa achieved independence on 1 January 1962.
Does American Samoa want independence?
In 1969, a political commission in American Samoa rejected a proposal for unification with Western Samoa. Although inhabitants of American Samoa have a strong Samoan national identity, there is no large movement among them in favor of independence or unification with Western Samoa.