Second Samoan Civil War

Quick Facts: Who was Second Samoan Civil War?

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Second Samoan Civil War

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A 1898–1899 conflict over control of the Samoan island chain among major world powers.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Second Samoan Civil War was a conflict that reached a head in 1898 when Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States were locked in dispute over who should have control over the Samoan island chain, located in the South Pacific Ocean. At the war's conclusion in 1899, the United States were granted the eastern section of the islands, the Germans were granted the western section of the islands, and the British were given the northern Solomon Islands of Choiseul, Isabel and the Shortland Islands that had formerly belonged to Germany. The German half was occupied and annexed by New Zealand in 1914 and is now an independent nation – Samoa. The U.S. half still remains under the control of the U.S. government as the territory of American Samoa. The allies were the Samoan followers of Malietoa Tanumafili I and supporting naval forces from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Career & Major Achievements

These forces fought against the rebels of Mata'afa Iosefo, who were supported by Germany. As result of Malietoa Laupepa's death, Mata'afa Iosefo returned from exile and was elected to power by a council of Samoan chiefs. In response, the British Royal Navy and the U.S. Navy landed forces at Apia in support of Laupepa's son Malietoa Tanumafili I against the German-backed Mataafa. The first battle of the conflict involving the British and Americans was the Siege of Apia; when the naval forces landed they occupied much of the city, Mataafan forces attacked, so British and U.S. warships in Apia Harbour began bombarding enemy positions around the city. After the conflict, Mataafaite forces retreated to the stronghold of Vailele and thus began several U.S. and British expeditions into the dense jungle to find the chief's men.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

At the end of March, a joint expedition of British, U.S., and Samoan forces marched along the coast from Apia towards Vailele. Skirmishes were fought and two villages destroyed as the Samoan rebels retreated. On April 1, the expedition of 26 marines, 88 sailors and 136 Samoans left the coast for an attack on the landward side of Vailele, leaving the protection of naval gunfire support. The cruisers USS Philadelphia, HMS Tauranga, HMS Porpoise and the corvette HMS Royalist landed the sailors and marines, Royalist was sent ahead of the expedition to bombard the two forts guarding Vailele plantation. The Second Battle of Vailele on 1 April was a defeat for the expeditionary forces.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1898: 1898 Milestone — The Second Samoan Civil War was a conflict that reached a head in 1898 when Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States were locked in dispute over who should have control over the Samoan island chain, located in the South Pacific Ocean.
2. 1899: 1899 Milestone — At the war's conclusion in 1899, the United States were granted the eastern section of the islands, the Germans were granted the western section of the islands, and the British were given the northern Solomon Islands of Choiseul, Isabel and the Shortland Islands that had formerly belonged to Germany.
3. 1914: 1914 Milestone — The German half was occupied and annexed by New Zealand in 1914 and is now an independent nation – Samoa.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Second Samoan Civil War

True or False: “The Second Samoan Civil War resulted in Samoa remaining under a single colonial power after 1899.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The war concluded with the partition of the islands among the US, Germany, and Britain, leading to distinct administrative zones.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Albert Luthuli — Historical peer (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering anti-apartheid activist and leader of the ANC in South Africa.
• Alexander Calder — Historical peer (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering American sculptor celebrated for kinetic mobiles and monumental abstract forms.
• Adnan Menderes — Historical peer (Born in 1899) (1899): Turkish politician who served as Prime Minister of Turkey from 1950 to 1960.
• Al Capone — Historical peer (Born in 1899) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Abdul-Karim Qasim — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): Iraqi military officer who led the country as Prime Minister from 1958 to 1963.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Born in 1914) (1914): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.

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