American Samoa, a group of islands in the South Pacific, has a history that spans over three millennia. It is one of the oldest inhabited regions in Polynesia, with human settlement dating back approximately 3,000 years. The islands experienced significant influence from the Tongan Empire between the 13th and 15th centuries. European exploration began in the early 18th century, leading to increased interaction with Western traders and missionaries by the mid-19th century. The late 19th century saw geopolitical tensions among major powers, culminating in a tripartite agreement in 1899 that split the Samoan archipelago, granting the eastern islands to the United States. This marked the beginning of American Samoa as a U.S. territory.
Chronological History of American Samoa
Ancient History:
- 3000 Years Ago: Earliest human settlement in American Samoa, with evidence found on Tutuila and Ofu Islands.
- 1200-1400 CE: Tongan conquest over most of the Samoan islands except Ta`u.
European Contact and Colonization:
- 1722 & 1768: First European contacts by Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen and French explorer Louis-Antoine de Bougainville.
- Mid-1800s: Increased presence of European and American traders on Tutuila; Christian missionaries arrive.
- 1889: German, English, and American warships poised for conflict over Samoa; a hurricane averts war.
Partition and American Administration:
- 1899: Tripartite agreement divides Samoa: Germany controls Upolu and Savai`i; the U.S. gets Tutuila, Aunu`u, and Manu`a islands.
- 1900: Matai of Tutuila and Aunu`u cede these islands to the U.S. on April 17.
- 1904: King and matai of Manu`a cede remaining islands to the U.S. on July 14; region officially becomes “American Samoa.”
Early 20th Century:
- 1900-1951: U.S. Navy administers American Samoa; first governor, Benjamin Franklin Tilley, emphasizes racial theories about Samoan people.
- World War II: American Samoa becomes a significant military base; Japanese scout overflights and submarine attacks occur.
Mid to Late 20th Century:
- 1951: Administration transferred from U.S. Navy to Department of the Interior per Executive Order 10264.
- 1967: American Samoa drafts and adopts its constitution under Interior Department guidance.
- 1986: Fagatele Bay designated as a National Marine Sanctuary to protect coral reefs and marine life.
21st Century:
- 2012: Expansion of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa to include additional areas, reflecting broader environmental protection goals.
The history of American Samoa is a testament to its rich Polynesian heritage and its strategic importance in global geopolitics. From its ancient settlement and the influence of the Tongan Empire to its encounters with European explorers and eventual cession to the United States, American Samoa has navigated a complex path of cultural preservation and external influence. The 20th century saw significant developments, including naval administration, participation in World War II, and the eventual transfer of governance to the U.S. Department of the Interior. Today, American Samoa continues to balance its traditional customs with modern governance and environmental conservation efforts, reflecting its unique identity as a U.S. territory with deep-rooted Polynesian culture.
