What was the La Perouse massacre?

On the 11th of the month, twelve of La Perouse’s men including the captain of one of the two French ships were killed in a skirmish with the Samoans at A’asu on Tutuila Island. The race to settle Australia had its roots in the power struggles between Britain, France and the United States in North America.

Why did the US intervene in Samoa?

European and American Colonial Division of the Samoan archipelago. 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.

Does the US own the Samoan islands?

Political Status. 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. Manu’a followed in 1904.

What type of white foreigners were the first to live in our islands of Samoa?

European explorers first reached the Samoan islands in the early 18th century. In 1768, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville named them the Navigator Islands.

When was Samoa settled?

The Samoan islands were settled by Polynesians (probably from Tonga) about 1000 bce. Many scholars believe that by about 500 ce Samoa had become the point of origin for voyagers who settled much of eastern Polynesia.

Can American Samoa become US citizens?

The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling reverses a lower court ruling that sided with three people from American Samoa who live in Utah and sued to be recognized as citizens. The judge ruled the Utah residents are entitled to birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.

Can American Samoans move to USA?

Despite changes in local ordinances, American Samoans do not have full protection of their constitutional rights, though they may reside in the United States and gain entry without a visa.

Can you buy property in American Samoa?

Samoan law restricts the sale of most property to anyone with less than 50% Samoan ancestry. “There are still blood quantum racial restrictions on the ownership and alienation of land,” Williams said.