|
1300 BC |
Proto-Polynesians Living on Western end of
Upolu (Upolu is currently the most populated island of Samoa, the independent nation, and seats their capital.) Early Settling Through South East Asia from China |
|
1300 - 900 AD |
Period of Linguistic, Social and Cultural Development |
|
300 - 900 |
Period of Stonework |
|
500 |
Evolution of Social Systems A social order that is rather militaristic in its emphasis on rank and status evolved. Status remains to be valued highly among Samoans to this date. |
|
1250 -1800 |
The Tongan Wars and Aftermath Roughly 200 years of Tongan influence on Upolu, Tuituila and Savai'i is estimated to have occurred during this period. Manu'a, however, was always ruled by the Tuimanu'a, and at no time was ever dominated by any other Pacific Islander. This period is noted for being a time of warfare and political rivalries. |
|
1722 - 1839 |
The Coming of Explorers 1722-Samoan Islands first sighted by European Explorers. 1799-First European explorer sets foot on Samoa 1839-Navy Lt. Wilkes of the U.S. Exploring Expedition lands on Tutuila. |
|
1800 - 1850 |
The Coming of the Missionaries Missionaries were generally embraced by the local population. Their impact has been profound as the vast majority of Samoans are Christian. Much of current village life centers around the church. |
|
1899 |
Samoan Islands Divided Between Germany and U.S. (and Tonga given British protection.) |
|
1900 |
American – Samoan Group Under U.S. Naval Administration Control (Considered to be a benevolent dictator by historians and Samoans alike.) |
|
1900 |
Deed of Cession Signed by Chiefs of Tutuila (Tutuila is the largest and by far the most populated island of American Samoa. All government offices are located on Tutuila.) |
|
1920 |
The California Mau Also know as The Samoan Council of Chiefs, organize opposition to the Naval administration. Ironically, this opposition started outside of American Samoa, namely in California and Samoa, the independent nation. It didn't have much support of the people on Tutuila and died 10 years after its inception. |
|
1941 |
WWII The presence of servicemen introduces consumerism, improved medical services (a higher birth and lower death rate). |
|
1951 |
U.S. Department of Interior Takes Over
Administrative Role of Territory The transition to a civil government with complete autonomy and nearly unlimited aid begins. |
|
1952 |
Era of Emigration of American Samoans to Hawaii and US
Mainland Begins Today over 250,000 Samoans live on the mainland U.S. compared to 65,000 living in The Territory. |
|
1953 |
Canneries Begin (Van Camp and
Starkist) The vast majority of employees of this industry are from Samoa, the independent nation. Until 1991, the high strength waste of the canneries were simply dumped in Pago Pago Harbor which has been a major contributor to the current harbor conditions which are not safe for swimming nor are its fish safe to eat. The canneries are not taxed by the American Samoan Government. |
|
1956 |
The First Samoan Governor, Peter Tali Coleman, Takes Office |
|
1965 |
The US Enters the Vietnam War Samoans lose more men per capita in Vietnam than any other American community. |
|
1973 |
National Rainforest Park Dedication by Department of Interior |
|
1980 |
American Samoa Elects Fofo Sunia as its First
Representative to the US Congress Although there were two other representatives of American Samoa before Fofo Sunia, A.U. Fuimaono and A.P. Lutali, these men did not serve in the US Congress since Congress had not yet passed federal legislation to authorize their elections.. |
|
1970 TO DATE |
American Samoa Faces Environmental and Cultural
Challenges Coastal areas of Tutuila become especially stressed since this is where most of the population resides. The island begins to face such problems as overfishing, pest and weed species, solid waste, sedimentation from land erosion onto coral reefs, and a limited supply of drinking water. Most remarkable is rapid population growth. It is expected that the population will more than double by 2020. Much of Fa'aSamoa (the Samoan way) is still observed. The Samoan language in intact, and the fa'alavelave (an important occasion in which families gather to feast and exchange gifts) is alive and well. However, the modern day American Samoan has more of a choice to participate in Fa'aSamoa. The rigid traditional ranking of ones place in society has changed with the introduction of consumerism; wealth also holds status. Youth have generally lost interest in their heritage and knowledge of historical sites, genealogies, traditional farming and fishing methods, and traditional arts are being lost. |
|
2000 |
The Unborn, Newest Island of the Samoan
Archipelago is Named Vailulu'u In 1975, an underwater volcano is discovered 28 miles off the coast of Ta'u. It is originally named Rockne Volcano. In 1995, this volcano is discovered to be active. In 1999, it is mapped and is informally named Fa'afafine "wolf in sheep's clothing" (among other meanings) Volcano. Vailulu'u remains active to date. |
| -Caroline Ruppert Tuiolosega |
BIBLIOGRAPHY
American Samoan Government. Island Lines Flag Day Centennial
flier. The American Samoa Telecommunications
Authority, American Samoa, 2000.
Craig, Peter. Environmental Trends in American Samoa, Year 2000. National Parks of American Samoa, 2000.
Theroux, Joseph P. American Samoa History, from A Coastal Zone
Management Atlas of American Samoa, 1981.
Development Planning Office,
American Samoa, 1981.
U.S. Scientists Prove Samoan Underwater Volcano is Active, Samoa News, Tuesday, May 23, 2000, p. 12.