Why did the US acquire American 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.

Does the US control American Samoa?

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. Unlike citizens of other U.S. territories who are U.S. citizens, American Samoans are U.S. nationals.

Who signed the Treaty of American Samoa?

The Treaty of Cession of Manuʻa, also known as the Deed of Cession of Manuʻa, was a treaty between Tui Manuʻa Elisala and the United States signed on 16 July 1904 that ceded the islands of Manuʻa to the United States, which now forms part of American Samoa.

Can US citizens buy property in American Samoa?

It is illegal for any person whose blood is less than one-half Samoan to own land in American Samoa.

When was the treaty with Eastern Samoa signed?

In 1878 a Treaty was signed with Eastern Samoa which favored Samoan interests against Britain.

When was American Samoa ceded to the US?

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.

When did the US-Cook Islands Treaty enter into force?

On December 2, 1980, the United States and New Zealand signed a treaty delimiting a maritime boundary between Tokelau and American Samoa. Upon the exchange of instruments of ratification, the United States-Cook Islands and United States-New Zealand treaties entered into force on September 8, 1983, and September 3, 1983, respectively.

Where was the US Naval Base in American Samoa?

In 1878 the U.S. signed a treaty for the establishment of a naval station in Pago Pago Harbor, United States Naval Station Tutuila. Under the administration of the U.S. Navy (1900–51), American Samoa became a strategic naval base.