Samoan Islands are located 3,000 kilometers north of New Zealand in the Pacific Ocean.
In the late 1800s, the islands were contested by the British, Germans, and Americans due to their strategic location and resources.
Colonial Division
The colonizers divided the islands, with the eastern islands going to Americans, the western to Germans, and the British receiving concessions elsewhere.
Germans established a thriving economy based on copra plantations.
World War I and New Zealand Administration
During WWI, New Zealand began to administer Western Samoa for the British Empire.
The 1918 influenza pandemic severely affected Samoa, reducing the population by nearly a quarter.
The epidemic was exacerbated by the arrival of the ship Talune, allowed by New Zealand to dock.
New Zealand's Colonial Policies
New Zealand's administration was inexperienced in governance, leading to a heavy-handed approach.
Policies allowed the administrator to banish Samoans arbitrarily and dismantle cultural structures.
Chiefs were stripped of their matai titles, reducing autonomy and power of village councils.
Anti-New Zealand Sentiment and the Mau Movement
Anti-New Zealand sentiment grew due to oppressive policies and the influenza outbreak.
The Mau a Pule, initially reacting to German rule, sought independence and became a rallying cry.
Leaders like Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III and Ta'isi Olaf Frederick Nelson were prominent figures.
The Mau officially formed in 1927, facing resistance from New Zealand.
The Black Saturday Incident
On December 28, 1929, a peaceful protest turned tragic when New Zealand police fired on demonstrators.
The incident, known as Black Saturday, resulted in 11 deaths and many injuries.
High Chief Tupua Tamasese Lealofi was killed, urging peace with his dying words.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following Black Saturday, New Zealand increased police presence and attempted to quell resistance.
Women took on leadership roles to continue the Mau movement.
Decades later, New Zealand formally apologized for their colonial actions.
Contemporary Reflections
The story of Samoan resistance and New Zealand's colonial past remains underrepresented in history.
The effects of colonialism are still evident in societal attitudes and narratives today.
Conclusion
Understanding the history of Samoa's struggle and resistance is critical for acknowledging past injustices and moving forward.