The Samoan Crisis of 1889

[@peterwright4647]

Anyone who has faced a Samoan on the rugby pitch knows that their warrior culture and spirit lives on today. And after the match ends they are friendly and kind usually asking if you are going to be okay with your bruised bodies and ego. Happy St. Patrick’s day!

[@HootOwl513]

Samoans are great ruggers, Brother. Right up there with Tongans, Fijians and Maori. The Polynesian influence makes it a fascinating sport. Happy St Pat's to you.

[@dougearnest7590]

All great stories involve pirates. All awesome stories involve rugby.

[@bushranger51]

@David Single Yeah and I reckon Sydney Australia would be a close second. There seem to be more Samoans in New Zealand and Australia than there are in Samoa.

[@lesblase3667]

@@bushranger51 have you been to California? Compton, Watts, Long beach.. shit load of them

[@R1_Lazz.]

@@lesblase3667 Have you been to Sydney, Melbourne?....Alot are there, also I'm a Samoan in Sydney💪

[@historybuff5739]

I enjoyed this episode on the history of American Samoa. I lived on American Samoa with my family from about 1960 to 1962 or 3. Even though that was about 60 years ago I still have fond memories of the people and our time there.

[@jamessmithson99]

I read General LeJeune's book, and he was there for the buildup as a passed cadet, for the sinking. Just a fascinating era, he went from single shot rifles and wood hull screw steamers to dispatching Marine air squadrons around the world, all in one career.

[@johnjyoungjr7400]

Would you happen to remember the name of that book? I'm sure he wrote more than one. Former Marine here.

[@jamessmithson99]

@@johnjyoungjr7400 Reminiscences of a Marine

[@kenycharles8600]

@@jamessmithson99 thank you.

[@exidy-yt]

@@jamessmithson99 Excellent, thank you! I am going to get me a copy of this right now as it sounds like a fantastic read.

[@jamessmithson99]

@@exidy-yt The other historic autobiography I enjoyed was 41 Years in India, by Sleigh Lord Roberts

[@jmanjman6548]

Thanks for sharing. My wife is Samoan and it’s such a beautiful place and it’s great to learn about their history. The pyramids are also very interesting.

[@EFvega4541]

I like that you do not apologize for the history and that you don’t change it. Thank you for keeping it true

[@johnbockelie3899]

Nice green bow tie for St.Patrick's day.

[@windborne8795]

I fully concur with your thoughts. Humans of all races have been mistreating and enslaving one another for millennia. One cannot attribute all of the injustices to just one race. All one needs to do is to study ancient history. The History Guy is one of the best presenters of historical events; matter of fact and completely unbiased. Cheers! It is St. Patrick's Day. 👍🏻😎🇺🇸

[@davidhollenshead4892]

@@windborne8795 We can blame certain Nations for their continued aggression & inhumanity, as their actions continue to prove ill will...

[@timan2039]

True but we all should be able to learn from our mistakes and work to become a better more humane people.

[@windborne8795]

Yes! And we have. Just look at the USA. Until all of this race BS was drummed up again, we were fine as a whole. As Morgan Freeman once said, "stop talking about it". There isn't any systemic racism. Racism will always exist but, only with the ignorant few. There is only one race; the human race...God bless us all.

[@nikburton9264]

I was in Samoa once when in the Navy. Nice folks, pretty rural. But I love those quiet, almost forgotten corners of the world. Retired from the canoe club in 05, but would have 30 more if they'd have let me.

[@DaveDaDeerslayer]

Me too. Loved Samoa,Tonga and lots of other places I got to visit in Uncle Sammie's Canoe Club, 1982-2004

[@MsMesem]

@@DaveDaDeerslayer Pleasant times I'd say!

[@DaveDaDeerslayer]

@@MsMesem It ain't no pleasure cruise. You earn every liberty port you get.

[@MsMesem]

@@DaveDaDeerslayer 82 to 2004 were comparitively very peaceful times on the planet

[@DaveDaDeerslayer]

@@MsMesem Where did you serve? Ever been in a combat zone?

[@em1osmurf]

i've had this presented in college. the miracle of the internet, again. 13 minutes and you jumped an entire 3-day lecture series in U of Pitt. well done!

[@perrysims3320]

I'm a micro historian. I study one little boomtown in northern California. Sisson, now called Mt. Shasta City. I still have chills that I got as this episode filled in the gaps that actually involve my own study. While this international trouble was brewing, the Moors brothers, first the elder and later his two brothers were making good in the copra business in Apia and with a string of general stores on adjoining islands. Henry J. Moors, the elder who had built the business and asked his siblings to come to help him make them all rich, was posting letters to the American government taking sides in the Samoan family disagreements. My story is that one of the younger brothers traded a boatload of goods to the head of the Fagamolo family for the hand of his "princess" daughter. Oliver E. Moors left an infant son, Holo, his "wife", and was back in the USA in Sisson by 1887 with his brother Frank and by 1889 O E Moors was Postmaster of Sisson. The brothers ran a general mercantile store with the PO, and the Elks Lodge was upstairs. This adds to my theory that his impregnating a young local woman didn't go down well, and the existing 'family' problems and coming political problems led to his abandoning Holo. His big brother might have been a bit 'put off' as well. I still have a link to the Fagamolo family who shared the "princess" story with me. Thanks for doing such a nice job of covering that important event.

[@nvs7445]

Wow...thank you for sharing!

[@exidy-yt]

I love Samoa and Samoans. This is an excellent short summary of the politics of the time, and especially of the storm from hell. I have been considering moving to a climate that is warm all the time. I live in the most temperate part of Canada and it's still too goddamn wet and cold in winter and Samoa (as opposed to American Samoa) has been looking more and more like the place to go.

[@finac2695]

You should. Great place to retire or live.

[@BenDover-tk3jj]

If you enjoy homesteading or suburban/ rural living and some close communal connections then by all means go ahead. It is a very peaceful country with low crime rates but remember that any sort of technological, economical or entertainment advancements are incredibly sluggish. You will find yourself bored here if you enjoy cinemas, arcades, high quality diverse cuisine outside Local, Chinese, and West American foods. Internet prices are terrible and there is a severe lack of high quality local meats or diverse produce and if there is imported diverse produce it is incredibly expensive. It's also incredibly religious in it's christian beliefs so do not be suprised if you feel estranged on the lazy sundays and some aspects of zealous behaviour. It is a christians paradise but if you're looking for a peaceful yet somewhat advanced country with some comforts of the western world I would look into instead Hawai'i and the transition would also be less jarring. Samoa has a long way to go in terms of advancements and it'll be a while until the educational boom of the younger generations will come into effect and improve the country but give it another 10-20 years and it'll be steering toward a nicely developing country. It's still a developing nation and you should keep that in mind when considering what comforts, social benefits, community and affordability you are giving up when moving from a developed nation like Canada to one that has several child vendors on the streets, a zealous religious community that often affects socio-economic problems, slow technological innovation and one with a high material cost for importing any goods from international markets because of the distance from it and other countries so I'd suggest buying any materials for your house in Canada and shipping it over in Samoa to keep costs low, there are no manufacturing plants here for anything outside agricultural and beverage based industries. I wish you the best on your journey but I thought you should know these things. This is coming from someone studying economics who's lived in Samoa for 20+ years

[@exidy-yt]

@@BenDover-tk3jj Wow, thank you for such a well thought out and detailed post! My entertainment needs are pretty modest, and can be met with the computer and gaming hardware I already possess and I don't need a high speed internet connection, just a continuous power supply and even if the local grid has problems I am sure the climate will be very suitable for solar backup or possibly even full off-grid solar power for me. I am also a fairly quiet guy with not too many social ties now that my kids are grown and while I am not a Christian I have no problem with those who are, as long as they aren't actively preaching at me. Appreciate the advice about shipping supplies for homebuilding if I am not able to find a suitable place to buy already built, I will definately keep it in mind. Again thank you for such well thought out advice.

[@Hullj]

If I were in charge of history education, your series would be mandatory watching for every English language history class across the globe for people ages 10 to 21. Thanks you for all of your hard work.

[@michaelhomsany2850]

Thank you so much for recognizing us! Most US citizens (and one person in Congress!) don't have a clue that American Samoa is part of the USA, and has been for 121 years. Thanks so much again and best regards from Pacific Horizons School, Tutuila Island, American Samoa

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

You are very welcome.

[@Simonsvids]

Yup the USA, despite what they say about the past exploits of the UK, are just as colonialist as any other nation with European origins, they just arrived late to the party.

[@garymartin9777]

And most don't realize that Samoans are not full US citizens, rather are US nationals. A national is protected by a country and has most rights but not the right to vote. This fact is often attributed to racism but when American Samoa was territorialized the elders of the Samoan tribes did not desire for Samoans to become citizens as they wanted to preserve tribal culture and government. A case went to SCOTUS a few years ago insisting that Samoans should be considered citizens pursuant to the 14th Amendment but the court declined to overrule the appeals court decision that American Samoa is not an "incorporated" territory of the US and Congress has never passed a statute making persons born there citizens at birth as they are in Puerto Rico.

[@darthdurf9611]

thank you for these stories, as a civil war and WW2 enthusiast, I can watch these with the kids and not super bore them.....They love them also. Please keep up the great work

[@juliandoncaster6128]

Not sure I approve of Civil War enthusiasts :-o !

[@darthdurf9611]

I know, sorry if at.all being a history buff offense anyone....(not yelling at you)...but seriously the way things are taught today, our kids will not learn from every ones mistakes, and could repeat those mistakes....you can't hide man's atrocities....the nazis, and the axes countries...or our past....I can see mabey moving them, but it's history, and.sometimes little reminders help....may I say my opa was a.nazi....my mom escaped to America, became a citizen and integrated...my family has been victims of hate crimes...ignorance can be faulted if not taught....so yes, I oppose censorship as to the truth

[@chiefslinginbeef3641]

@@juliandoncaster6128 I suppose no one should major in history with concentration of the civil war era. Wouldn't wanna learn history and the present for that matter is full of terrible people and acts but not for the progression of humanity

[@bradleycred99]

My great-great-great maternal Grandfather was on the U.S.S. Trenton during this storm. He was a career U.S. Navy Sailor (Landsman) dating back to his Union Navy service during the U.S. Civil War.

[@stenbak88]

It’s still so strange to me when someone doesn’t know about American Samoa, it’s a fairly important territory in multiple wars and time periods. Plus their people remind me of Filipinos bc they are genuinely good people or at least the ones I have met and extremely hard workers when given the ability to strive. I’d almost rather American Samoa become a state before Puerto Rico

[@Cheese_Boi1986]

i like to mention it when Americans kick off about the British empire XD

[@sandybarnes887]

Kinda like when a Congresswoman thinks Guam is a foreign country.

[@51WCDodge]

@@sandybarnes887 Don't worry , we have them in England as well.

[@sarjim4381]

@@sandybarnes887 Or kinda like when a Congressman from another party was afraid the Guam could "tip over" if we had too many Marines there.

[@samiam619]

@@sarjim4381 Yeah, they were both members of the “Anti History/Anti Science” Party...

[@Bronzite]

When I was in college in the early 2000's, I wrote a paper about the Samoan Crisis here that my advisor encouraged me to revise and publish, but it was out-of-department so I never did. The thesis was that all the pieces were already in place by 1889 for the Samoa Islands to be the flashpoint for the first World War (or an equivalent European conflagration), given the length of time it took for communications from the islands to reach Europe and for a reply to be sent. I remember every source I could find all ended up referencing back to Robert Louis Stevenson's one book on the topic, called "A Footnote To History", and I had a hell of a time finding a copy of it.

[@michealgilliland8830]

Hi there! I'm thinking about writing a paper about the disaster at Samoan( as an extension of my interest in American imperialism at the time). I would greatly appreciate it, thank you!

[@chiefpontiac1800]

I would like to travel to Samoa. I have been to Fiji, all over Tahiti and New Zealand. Well, perhaps one day I shall travel there. Another great story HG. I need to break out my photo book !

[@John-tx1wk]

Do you mean Samoa or American Samoa? You're not missing much in American Samoa, at least around Pago Pago. Either end of Tutuila, west or east, is much better. Samoa though is very nice. Apia is a beautiful little village with a good number of shops and native restaurants but not too busy or touristy.

[@PerryPKing]

@@John-tx1wk Talofa Lava - I lived in Tafuna when I worked in the ETV system from 1967 t0 1968. Yes its American Samoa, and was Western Samoa up until they changed that a few years ago back to "SAMOA" as it originally all was.

[@default5790]

It’s a beautiful place. Was there at the end of 2019 before the whole pandemic. If you do, visit Lalomanu Beach, The Piula cave pools and the To Sua trench on Upolu. Plenty of other small places to visit including Savai’i and the people are very friendly. In fact, my KZbin picture is actually of my favourite McDonald’s meal I had in Samoa lol.

[@hurlburt808]

I have been to Samoa many times and have sailed into the harbor I never knew this history .thank you !

[@AW1Lucky]

" U.S. ships were of the 'sticks and strings' variety, and outdated." As a former tall ship sailor, I found that phrase hilarious, never heard it before. Yet once again THC, well said sir!!!!

[@michaelcerkez3895]

I studied Samoa in my years at Rutgers but we never had knowledge of this. Thank you Sir.

[@christopherlynch3314]

Very interesting and well done as usual. Particularly interesting was this event's effect on Naval construction policy.

[@alexmccarthy2095]

Faafetai tele lava le faasoa. Your efforts are very Much appreciated. Sincere thanks

[@4tarsus]

At 00:25, I think I hear THG say "18 years" as the amount of time between this event and the US entry into WW1. I think the amount of time is actually 28 years (1917-1889). Respectfully submitted.

[@caleblarsen5490]

Thank you for teaching us about this! I had no idea this is how Samoa ended up as a territory. This is insane.

[@alamai7799]

This history is not entirely true. Of course this is the one they teach but much is left out.

[@edschermerhorn5415]

Another great example of when weather alters the course of international conflicts

[@saabreplay7553]

Love your excellent work

[@mbergquist6855]

I am remembering that there is a great political cartoon following this incident that shows all the sailors of all three nations shaking hands in grief. Might be a Thomas Nast. Used this incident as an example with my students of the folly of nations in the Age of Imperialism. On a lighter note, I strangely desire some cookies now.

[@stevedietrich8936]

Thanks for yet another interesting video that I had absolutely no previous knowledge about.

[@51WCDodge]

I have never heard of this incident. An intresting paralle is the later Morocan Crisis of 1905 and 1911. Seems to set a pattern.

[@AnimeOtaku2]

The German desire for an empire when other nations had already established theirs was one of the things in the background that pushed us towards the First World War.

[@51WCDodge]

@@AnimeOtaku2 Very true, the genisis of the war goes back a long way.It was just that in 1914 , for a really bizzare set of reasons, the cards all fell over. Be intresting to see the THG's take on why it happned. One of the best explinations I've ever seen , is rather oddly, the start of the Film Oh What A Lovley War. I'd recommend it.

[@michaelpielorz9283]

Of course american and british sources always tell the pure truth.A good idea is,to get your information from different sources. The civil war,the annexation of Hawaii,the Spanish/American War,Panama,the United Fruit Company war, those wars show a dramatic pattern.

[@51WCDodge]

@@michaelpielorz9283 There are plenty of scources, including the World Famous' Everyone Knows'. Reffered to in Britain as The Man in the Pub. The fun of histiory, and current affairs, sorting out the greys from the posted Black & White.

[@jimbeam3280]

@@AnimeOtaku2 Robert K Massie 's "Dreadnought" is a good read about the events which lead to the First world War. Very complicated set of circumstances.

[@tomtomx2300]

I hope you're gonna make a video on the 1899 second Samoa Civil War which displayed how the British and Americans fought against the Germans way before the first and second World War

[@nedludd7622]

How about the annexation of Hawaii, which Grover Cleveland called "a shameful affair". He had refused to do it, but his successor did it.

[@mathewkelly9968]

The history guy Is showing his true colours , a boomer US imperialist .

[@timan2039]

@@mathewkelly9968 no he is being straight about the history.

[@stevek8829]

@@mathewkelly9968 boomers are the generation that started an anti-war movement. Where do you get your 'imperialist' claptrap?

[@TheRumbles13]

@@mathewkelly9968 snowflake. Lol

[@edl617]

Reading comments between you two. Makes me wish at times the American revolution had failed and we were still under English rule

[@nicci_valentine]

Thanks for the video. Been planning a trip of (Western) Samoa and American Samoa, and your video was a great introduction to Samoan history

[@hankvandenakker4271]

ONCE AGAIN YOU HAVE INFORMED & ENTERTAINED ME. I'M EMBARRASSED TO SAY THAT SOMETIMES I DON'T THINK I'LL ENJOY A VIDEO YOU POST... BUT YOU MAKE ALL YOUR VIDEOS SO WONDERFULLY INTERESTING! TOPIC OR SUBJECT BE DAMNED: I NOW WATCH EVERYTHING YOU'VE POSTED! THANK YOU, HISTORY GUY.

[@MNRAZORBACK]

Thank you for another great video. I find it odd that it says there are four comments, but I am physically counting eight comments at this time

[@richardjohnson8197]

Did you account for the replies as well?

[@MNRAZORBACK]

@@richardjohnson8197 Nope, just the comments.

[@richardjohnson8197]

Not a 100% sure on this but I think in youtube's comment count replies are factored in. Maybe this accounts for the discrepancy.

[@HornhelmClan]

Thank you. The history you share is often lost amongst the news of the time. Thanks for bringing it back from the grave of the forgotten.

[@brianwarfel2554]

I was waiting...for that magical word...Pirate. Great episode, cant get enough. Thank you HG!

[@docw1819]

Wonderful little known history. These stories need to be remembered. Two civil wars on the Samoan islands? Great 👍 channel. Yeah bin to Samoa 🇼🇸 and no idea 🤷‍♂️

[@kaioteutupe2903]

Next visit go to the village of vailele. That’s where the second civil war happened. Much alofas

[@michaelmichael8147]

Just love your KZbin channel. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@XHollisWood]

Fascinating research and content THG ☺️ Thank you for sharing 👍

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I've been to Samoa twice. I met people who were descendants of Sailors from this wreck. I saw the cliffs that Jimmy" Super Fly" Snuka. The legendary wrestler. I was dating Dwayne the Rock Johnsons cousin! Those were the days of my misspent youth!

[@51WCDodge]

First we were young and stupid , now we become old and foolish. I'm just wondering what happned to me in the middle :-)

[@a787fxr]

I visited there in 1987. I stayed at the NOAA station for a week. If you went there I don't think you misspent your youth. !:- )

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@51WCDodge Fair to Midland and being caught in the Mosh! Dang I brought up 2 era's in Time in one comment ! Cool name!

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

@@a787fxr I still remember it as clear as a bell! Fondly might I add!

[@51WCDodge]

@@constipatedinsincity4424 Thanks I have a Dodge WC51 and Dodge WC54 in my care , ready for next generation :-)

[@Sophocles13]

"During the storm local Samoans fought hard to save the men..." ...that were recently shelling them, burning their villages and subjugating them. Damn thats selfless. If only in return they could've sailed home and left them alone 😪

[@100anti]

That wild storm came upon them for a purpose and reason.

[@alamai7799]

It's sad that he tells the tales of the coward empires, the real history is being hidden..

[@theephraimite]

What do you expect from a bunch of heathens and gentiles that were keen on subjugating Oceanic islanders?

[@franknicholson6108]

WOW Mother nature dictating how to change the Navy. extremely interesting. Excellent as usual. Thanks

[@ronfullerton3162]

No matter how great we get to thinking of ourselves, old Mother Nature can still put us back in our places. Just this past weekend, all air traffic funneling through Denver shutdown. And all interstates in that area also at a standstill. Mother Nature still rules, we have just learned to adapt and recover better.

[@51WCDodge]

I still start any journey with an adage whacked into me as a kid on the Island Of Jersey . We'll go sailing 'God and Weather Permitting'

[@scotttyson607]

I remember reading somewhere that the USS Kersarge that sank the CSS Alabama was later lost in Samoa.

[@dirkditmer453]

Great vid. Even as a history buff I never knew of this moment. Thank you.

[@tygrkhat4087]

"History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of man." "Godzilla," Blue Oyster Cult

[@walterdavis4808]

Good quote !

[@dr.froghopper6711]

Go go Godzilla!

[@anti-Russia-sigma]

Nature has a lot on its plate to worry much about humans.Otherwise,it wouldn’t have killed 147 men. 🌏

[@billybradford]

Oh no! There goes Tokyo!

[@insertnamehere313]

Godzilla Zilla zillia Zillia zillia

[@atsekoutsoube]

From a fan sine the beginning. Excellent video Sir. Never heard of this situation before. Thank you

[@jamesd7606]

Have you considered doing an episode on another US naval incident, the loss of the USS Thresher? The anniversary (April 10) is coming up and it led to some serious changes in US Navy safety policy towards the construction and testing of submarines.

[@mattphillips1910]

I really, really enjoy every single piece the History Guy puts out. He's a great story teller, and he is full of actual facts from decades, or more, ago. My favorite YT channel, by far.

[@mattphillips1910]

One example; easily overlooked: This storm prompted a major overhaul of the way ships for the US were built. This could be a singular event that wound up winning WW1 for the US. That's why stories like this are so fascinating. The devil is in the details. Great video!

[@nickverbree]

With amazing content like this it won't be too long till you have a million subscribers

[@Duececoupe]

Thanks for always bringing an never ending string of, informative, educational, entertaining videos! Hope to see one on Gustavus Adolphus/Gustav II Adolph, who was King of Sweden from 1611 to 1632, some day! If there's was an E award for history channels, you'd definitely have at least one! 🏆🥇👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@siivameki9197]

My great grandfather whom he was a spokesman for the German at the time of that storm, was one of those Samoans who tried to help save those who were on the American ship, as I have learned they tried a rope to help them to get to shore.

[@tombratton3196]

Love your videos! And thank you for changing your intro, nice to have something different for those of us who listen a lot. haha

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

I use a program called Viddyoze- those animations are really easy to do.

[@donmoriarity5940]

Looking forward to seeing you hit 1 million subs!!!

[@andrewcollins7481]

My Great Great Grandfather David Mahoney was on the Calliope during this event, so particularly interesting to me. Great job on the video! Thank you.

[@TehAwesomer]

9:10 Not the only human who this remarkable example of human solidarity brought to tears 😭

[@danieltempas6062]

Absolutely love these, you are a real treasure. New ideas? If you liked stainless steel, you will really like Titanium. That is some real history that deserves to be remembered.

[@richardleecortopassi1039]

Thank you for your knowledge of history. Just wanted to know if you know anything about the Tri-state tornado of 1926 if that's good enough to be remembered

[@lukedrennan293]

Another good one History Guy! You’re awesome.

[@steveshoemaker6347]

Thanks very much....Once again...That is a mighty fine pair of glasses you have on.....!!

[@ff7h]

thanks!

[@chi-weishen6740]

0:25 It was 28 years before the declaration of war during WW1, not 18 years.

[@killrmillr]

LOL. He's the History Guy, not the Math Guy.

[@larson0014]

25 years... 1889-1914

[@chi-weishen6740]

@@larson0014 The United States declared war in April 1917. On April 2, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson went before a joint session of Congress to request a declaration of war against Germany. On April 4, 1917, the U.S. Senate voted in support of the measure to declare war on Germany. The House concurred two days later.

[@alamai7799]

The truth is that the 3 empires split Samoa up because our King agreed to join the Polyneasian confederacy with Hawaii. King Kalakaua sent a training ship to Apia harbour with the diplomatic mission to form a Polyneasian confederacy with Samoa, Hawaii and Tonga, as they were the only sovereign nation left at the time. The empires accused King Kalakaua of meddling in Samoan affairs however their true agenda was never to allow Samoa to be a sovereign nation but become a country where they could control our leader. Even after all 3 empires joined forces with Samoan chief backed by a minority of Samoans, they lost to Mata'afa whom they did all they could to make sure he never became king. One of the American in charge called Mata'afa the Samoan Washington of DC, his words held great weight and majority of Samoa obeyed his commands. They couldn't have anyone that they couldn't control, so they tried to kill Mata'afa and all of his supporters which was majority of Samoa, they began bombing villages, shooting over a thousand shells into the villages and using machine guns to spray the villages, killing many innocent women and children. To counter the plans of a Polyneasian confederacy, the 3 powers conspired to annex Samoa, the Germans betrayed Samoa by tell them the war was over and to hand in all their weapons, after disarming the country and holding our people hostage our leaders were forced to think about the well being of our people. The Berlin treaty agreement saw the allocation of east Samoa to America, west Samoa to Germany and Germany negotiating with the British to have Tonga and other islands so they could have western Samoa as they lost so many soldiers in western Samoa. It's annoying that they've depicted their betrayal especially when they were dealing with a sovereign nation, as if to paint the picture that we were brainless savages, incapable of ruling our own nation, when in fact they stole from us. Though we have done well and not given up fighting until the day of independence, much of our people still don't understand what really happened, this partly because the history has been hidden, hence why they don't mention anything about the Polyneasian confederacy in history classes, nor the fact that they put a stop to it because they wanted to create a powerful navy force in the pacific loyal to them. In order to hide their dirty deeds they needed to annex Hawaii to get rid of the truth but they needed a good reason to do so, then they came up with the excuse that the Japanese growth in Hawaii had become a potential threat, such idiotic reasons to annex a SOVEREIGN country is certainly the way the US does thing in order to invade or steal what doesn't belong to them. Just as they said there were weapons of mass destruction to invade the middle east, 9/11 false flag to invade the middle east and steal their oil and much more crimes against humanity that have been committed. The 3 empires are known to create a crisis in order to give them a good reason to take action and the media's job is to promote such reasons as a just means for war or occupying a territory that isn't rightfully theirs. They should admit their wrongs and return everything that has been taken from our people for the last 100 years.

[@grapeshot]

When I was in the army our M60 machine gunner is Samoan from Compton California.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

American Samoa yields the highest rate of military enlistment of any U.S. state or territory.

[@sparky6086]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel Also highest rate of NFL American football players.

[@moralreality7328]

@@sparky6086 Troy Polamalu, humble guy and incredible career

[@hurlburt808]

Not much opportunity on the islands so military service is a way out .I know I served with many in the navy and a lot relocate to Hawaii

[@michaelwerner1836]

I went to basic training for the Army in '84 with two Samoans. One was of Japanese descent, the other had long ancestry there. They despised each other.

[@Krakow725]

Great video! I’d suggest a book called “A Power in the World (Perspectives on the Global Past) by Lorenz Gonschor”. It details the Kingdom of Hawaii’s delegation to Samoa in 1887 and its almost annexation of the islands. Then the bayonet constitution was forced upon Kalakaua destroying the idea of a Hawaiian “Empire” so to speak leaving the islands open to USA and Germany.

[@alamai7799]

Yep, that's the real history they are hiding. In fact King Kalakaua sent a training ship Kaimiloa into Apia harbour with the diplomatic mission to form a Polyneasian confederacy with Samoa and Tonga, our king agreed but ended up being exiled. Shortly after the 3 empires hold a meeting and conspire to annex Samoa, this the Berlin treaty, however they needed to disarm Samoans and here we have the betrayal of the Germans. In the meeting the main priority the great Chief Mata'afa Iosefo, the one who defeated all them when they joined forces. They came up with a plan to kill him and they all agreed that under no circumstances was he allowed to become King, in other words these empires were meddling in a sovereign country's affairs. Mata'afa was supported by majority of Samoa and Malietoa was supported by the minority of Samoa. The threat of Mata'afa was greatly dreaded by the 3 empires, one American calling him the Samoan Washington of DC, as his words held weight and all majority of Samoa listened to him even when they were there, they couldn't allow the candidate they chose to be defeated. They then conspired to kill Mata'afa and his supporters which was majority of Samoa, warships began bombing & shooting over a thousand shells into many villages, using machine guns to spray villages killing many innocent women and children, the mangled bodies of children trying to crawl to safety did very little for the devilish hearts of the empires. In retaliation, Mata'afa burnt German plantations and wiped out 60 German soldiers, lured the people bombing from their warships in land and ambushed them with his warriors. Bad in those days Samoans were still well accustomed with our head hunting forefathers and were still transitioning over to Christianity, the practices of head hunting was to cut off the heads of the enemy and bring the head and body back as trophy and showcase the warriors prowess. These soldiers suffered this fate, many having their heads cut off and bodies taken to the villages where they were dragged around the village, speared through, spat on, stoned, stabbed and mutilated in any other way to add more insult. This was retribution for their murderous deeds. The missionaries were asked by the 3 coward empires to retrieve the heads and bodies of the slain soldiers. From this even the fallen soldiers were hailed for their bravery however no Samoan is remembered for defending our country and sovereignty from 3 coward Empires trying to turn us into loyal subordinate colonies. My people need to know the truth and need to rise up so this never happens again. They annexed Hawaii not long after annexing Samoa, this should show their true agenda, which was to make a powerful navy force in the pacific loyal to them. How many Samoans serve in the military? Over 20,000 Samoans have served overseas in the middle east, the Tongans also ally of America and Britian serve their wars in the middles east, guess what Hawaii also enlist soldiers as well, Guam and all the other colonies that are key controlling the ocean highway.

[@intro8172]

@@alamai7799 that's what my aunty taught me too. King Kalakaua's ship had two cannons, one of em was on the island of aunu'u.

[@evensgrey]

The way events played out left Somoa (the country) on the same date as the US, despite being on the western side of the International Date Line, leaving it 24 hours ahead of where it should have been. This became a problem when New Zealand and Australia became Somoa's principle trading partners, and Somoa had almost a full day's mismatch with these nearby countries, leaving only four days a week as weekdays in all three. Somoa moved itself back to the normal date for it's location on the western side of the IDL in 2011, leaving American Somoa on the eastern side of the IDL a day behind them. (Despite their close proximity, there's an obvious problem with trade between American Somoa and Somoa: There's isn't a whole lot to trade between them because the resources and products available on the two sets of islands are very similar.

[@a787fxr]

I really enjoyed this one. Can you imagine being on one of those ships? Wow.

Far too well. I spent three years crossing the Pacific in my 34 foot sailboat, before GPS.

[@a787fxr]

@ Now that is actually pretty cool. I bet you could really feel the words in this bit of history. Did you ever see that kind of storm?

[@lafoawright-liu1924]

I'm Samoan from Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa) and yup we learn that in school. Those 3 ships were fighting for power over my small country. Thanks to the Europeans and their introduction of Christian beliefs my ancestors at the time learned prayer and as a last line of defense for our people we put our faith in God to help us. The day we had that prayer as a country without these invaders knowledge a massive powerful storm came and most of them died. I think only one warship survived but barely. After that NZ won over 🇼🇸 from Germany & AS Chiefs decided to abandon us and signed a treaty with the 🇺🇸. So yeah that's a lil summary of how we Samoans 🇼🇸 see this. That is our version of this tragic piece of our history. It wasn't a crisis for us but a blessing. It may have lead to more years of hardship under NZ, but at least not one Samoan was killed as these 3 powerful countries prepared to fight over this ONE SMALL harmless NATION. We may be small but we have the heart & faith to get rid of our enemies☺✌💖. Now our greatest threat comes from China I hope they don't colonised us if HRPP can't pay back their loans. We the people ain't paying that. Unless you are a supporter of the party lol. Me oh hell no😜😂😂.

[@trj1442]

Another ripper episode. Thankyou THG.

[@terryroths4254]

Thank you so very much! I love history, long time ago I wanted to teach it. A different road I took but I still love history.

[@infoscholar5221]

Another concise and compelling story from history by Mr. Geiger.

[@Furniture121]

It got a bit dusty around here at 09:20.. then, strangely I hear it was dusty aboard the HMS Calliope as the event happened.

[@sergioquispe267]

Fascinante historia, muchas gracias por contarlo de manera bien documentada.

[@jephrokimbo9050]

I have a 6th Cousin, 3 Times removed named Rear Admiral Lewis Ashfield Kimberly who was the Admiral in Command of the Pacific Squadron who commanded the American Naval Fleet that arrived on these islands in March 1889. As the Typhoon was approaching his Fleet he boldly stated, "If we are to go down, we shall go down with our FLAG FLYING". It was at that Command the Navy Band aboard his Ship began playing the Star Spangled Banner. The playing of The American National Anthem inspired the crew to survive the typhoon with only one loss due to drowning on that Ship. The other ships caught in the Typhoon were not as lucky.

[@0cujo0]

Not gonna lie - I thought this was going to be about Girl Scout Cookies... Thank You for this, I really learned something today :-)

[@joereeves8259]

Great story, thanks.

[@douglasherron7534]

Great video (as usual)! One wonders why the USA - which always claimed to be anti-imperialist - still retains the Eastern Samoan Islands (i.e. American Samoa) as part of its empire rather than allowing them to rejoin with their western Samoan kin...?

[@scottabc72]

The idea of the US being anti-imperialist is and always has been hypocritical. That said, the people of American Samoa have the same rights as other Americans (except direct representation in government) so its unlikely they would choose to not be part of the U.S.

[@goodun2974]

@@scottabc72 My personal view is that Guam, American Samoa and Puerto Rico should all be given the vote in Congress. As should Washington DC, a territory of 750,000 people inside the continental US who have theoretical representation but no actual voting rights in Congress. Give them all statehood, or an honest chance to vote for or against it.

[@scottabc72]

@@goodun2974 Agreed, both PR and DC have more people than Wyoming and N Dakota for example but no direct representation in government.

[@badbiker666]

As so often happens, I had never previously heard of this, neither the conflicts surrounding the Samoan islands nor the storm that ended them. I have know a few Samoan people in my day, and this never came up in conversation. Well, why would it? It happened a hundred years before I knew those men.

[@markgipson9030]

Nice bow tie on St. Patrick's Day. How about a history of Leprechauns?

[@eamondillon2182]

Or maybe one on the Notre dame fighting Irish battle against the KKK

[@tylermiller2768]

I did my Master’s thesis on this topic, and I am glad you are giving it attention. In my research I found much more to question the usage of the storm as an excuse for naval build up. Not that it wasn’t linked, just that the citations to the “superior engines” of the Calliope and her being a steel ship were hyperinflated in order to secure the Naval Act of 1890. I also was impressed with the story of a cabin steward, Fugi Hitcharo, who was awarded a medal for his actions during the storm. Have you uncovered anything about this man?

[@tonyk1584]

Someday in my life I will goa To the place called American Samoa By plane or by ship, to there I will trip Cuz it's simply to far to just rowa

[@robertjenkins4543]

I used to live in a Samoan neighborhood in New Zealand. They are a very religious people. I would be curious to know more about the religious influence of the different countries and religions during the 1800's and it's impact on their political processes (sides) to unifying under one King/leader. I also wondered if the storm was an answer to their prayers that solved an outside risk to their lifestyle.

[@alamai7799]

The ships allied with a Samoans chief bombed the villages from offshore and the chiefs and their warriors would go inland to force soilders to come ashore where they ambushed them and killed 30 or so soldiers. These chiefs were against the new religion and any foreigners, they wanted to keep Samoa tradition for Samoans and protect against any foreign influence, of course this was a threat to the other chief and European empires who allied with them, as they wished to make progressive changes in Samoa. So they were labelled as revels however the truth could be said they were defending their way of life and beliefs from foreigners who didn't have anything of value to offer accept Christianity which turned out to be of great value and we are grateful for this gift to be returned to us. It was a Malietoa King who accepted Christianity in the 1830's, he had just won a war and burnt all of his rivals in a huge pit, all women, children and elderly were not spared as it was a habit before Christianity came to Samoa for Samoans to take revenge, so long as there was survivors to take vengeance for their loss, so Malietoa killed them in order to subdue his enemies and accept Christianity. The war began because the people of A'ana district killed the king of Samoa Malietoa Faiga who lived on Manono island. The smoke ascending from the pit into the sky was seen by the missionary who out at sea and making his way to Samoa, he recorded that he could smell the smell of burning flesh. The Malie Toa title in English means "beautiful warrior" or "wonderful warrior", it is a title taken from the speech given by the Tongan King who was defeated along side his warriors and driven into he sea by Tuna, Fata and their Samoan war party. The King gave the speech Malie Toa! Malie Tau! (Beautiful warrior! Beautiful war!) He then made a covenant to never war against Samoa and if he does come back he will come as a guest. To confirm his covenant was accepted and they were not harbouring any ill intentions and planning to sail to Tonga to continue their slaughter of Tongans, the Tongan king made one of his concubines stay a night on the shore, if they accepted his covenant, she would return unharmed however if they killed her, he knew they haboured bad intentions. His covenant would save his throne back in Tonga, if they were defeated in Samoa and driven into the sea by the Samoans warriors, his first thought would of been to secure his country by making a covenant of peace with Samoa warriors. All wars end with Victor having the choice to proceed or make peace, the brothers however made peace with the Tongan king as they're all family anyway, every other Tongan king was loved and honoured by Samoans as they were family, however this particular Tongan king hated Samoans and favoured his Fijian side and it was his Fijian supporters/family and Samoan family/supporters in Samoa that were protecting him. The Tongan king supporters in Samoa all were punished and they were commanded to give a family member each on the Malietoa chiefs day, where they would be killed and thrown into the umu (Samoan oven) and become Malietoa king meal. This continued down the line of Malietoa king's (or better known as Canibal king's) until one of the sons of the king had compassion upon the soon to be sacrfices of his father & told them to not worry, he told them to serve himself to his own father, when his father open the bread fruit leaves and saw his son, he was moved with compassion and banned canabilism in Samoa from them on, of course canabilism still existed in Samoa, many chiefs still practices it but the ones who were caught disobeying Malietoa, the king would send warriors to kill them. One in particular was a half fijian and half Samoan who held the Tui Samoa title and was given the village of Aua, this chief used to stack the heads of his rivals and made a small wall with the skulls in front of his house. Samoans were head hunters back then, and would take their rivals head and take it to their Chief or leader, this would grant them both respect, reputation and honour. Christianity brought back the humanity side and light of Christ in our hearts, as anciently our ancestors were Christian however we fell out of the faith and sort or accepted other gods and were corrupted, falling into darkness & we became an idolistrous, lazy, loathsome people, filled with all manner of abominations and wickedness. The savagery and pure violence back then brought about the destruction of so many of our brothers and sisters lives.

[@benjasamu6694]

Most Samoans who knows this part of their history are well aware that cyclone was a divine intervention. The three superpower of the time we’re ready to go to war for control of the whole Samoan islands without the natives having a say on its own internal affairs.

[@robbabcock_]

Interesting! I really didn't know anything about this event, so thanks for revealing a little known but fascinating episode from history.

[@amadeusamwater]

A number of Samoans have played in the NFL. They tend to big big, tough athletic fellows.

[@amadeusamwater]

Troy Polamalu and Junior Seau are prime examples.

[@sandybarnes887]

Their rugby team is very good as well.

[@collisella]

@@amadeusamwater Marcus Mariota and Tua Tagovailoa are current examples (though as yet undistinguished, compared to their college days).

[@John-tx1wk]

Though he never made into the NFL I believe Dwayne Johnson could be considered a big, tough athletic fellow. His mother is from Samoa. Having visited Apia I can tell you the locals are very proud of him.

[@garymartin9777]

The women too !

[@Musketeer009]

Another snippet of ticklish history that facinates and brings to life small corners of the world.

[@linkguist9095]

thank you for helping! a lot of the language from that time was really inflated and wordy. i couldnt understand what i was trhying to red and this helped:)

[@johnivkovich8655]

I served under Cpt. Chepnick who was military governor of American Somoa and much loved by the people there.

[@tellemhowbeer3517]

Wow,just wow. Could you imagine the actual feeling of surviving this? Awesome job as usual. Cheers from Texas!

[@S1lv3r4do]

THG - Discovered your KZbin Channel a while back and eagerly await each new snippet of history. It has become a source of amusement to look at your desk and the wall behind you during each episode. How often do you rearrange your hat collection? Have you ever considered devoting one video to a brief tour of your desk, including the significance of each hat? Jack

[@Kenniii3]

I can count on the content of these videos to be absolute quality, so that every time I can hit the like button before I watch it and know that my decision will be the same after I’ve watched it.

[@gj1234567899999]

If you are a big NFL fan, you know about Samoans! They have true most per capita NFL players than any other demographic group by far! There’s around 50 Samoans in he NFL, for a population of about 50,000 that’s a lot!

[@billonlybill]

Very interesting! There is so much history that I wasn't taught (grades from elementary through high school ) and it was not because of any failures by teachers or the educational system. It was because there was not enough time! Now that I am a living fossil I understand why people go beyond that in college to major in history and subsets of history continuing to study and earning PhD's and still advancing their knowledge and teaching and writing more books! And for this, Mr. History Guy, I thank you sincerely. Your content is entertaining and enlightening. If you please, I have a question for you, a question that is easy for me to ask, but maybe difficult for you to answer: What is YOUR favorite subset of history spanning the ages from antiquity to near "modern" history that engages you most? I realize that it would be like someone asking me what's my favorite music and best to answer with multiple choices. Happy St. Patrick's Day - boy, that could open up yet another line of video content in its self! Best Regards!

[@ross.venner]

Captain Kane was promoted to command, not HMS Victory, but HMS Duke of Wellington. The Victory had long been a harbour bound relic and had narrowly escaped being scrapped (that's another story). HMS Duke of Wellington was a steam and sail capital ship, but already of marginal military capability as this was the beginning of the 2nd generation ironclads. HMS Warrior, was the British response to MN Gloire, the first seagoing ironclad and was launched in 1861. You can see both HMS Victory and Warrior preserved at Portsmouth. HMS Calliope the "hurricane jumpet" survived until 1951. Thank you for a fascinating post

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

You are completely correct. I apologize for the error.

[@xallstatex2910]

You cracked me up @ ~2:31 🤣😂 I couldn't help myself, and had to watch what I saw as your "glitch in the matrix moment" 5 or 6 times before deciding to share my immature thought with all of you... Check it out... it's just great...!! 🤣😂😹😆😅🤣 PS: Please don't take my comment as a criticism; your channel is literally my absolute favorite channel in ALL of KZbin, period....!! PSS: I wish that you could have somehow been my history teacher for EVERY SINGLE YEAR that I attended school...!! Had this been possible, I likely would have become a history teacher in your honor... I doubt that you will derive from my previous statement the profound impact on myself as a representative of your audience that I intended for it to convey, but I hope that this one comes across loud and clear: Out of the MANY different personalities that can be found across this platform, YOU, sir are TRULY beloved and treasured by your audience...!! And I think that I can speak for all of us in saying: "Thank you very much for all that you are, and for all that you do...!!"

[@yalelingoz6346]

Oh thank you for this. I didn't know anything about this before hand.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

As a New Zealanders,I had no idea we attacked the German Islands in WW1,nice bit of history...guy.

[@polynesianbloodline]

Wow. Thank you for doing this video.

[@OkieSketcher1949]

Once again I learned something abut history. Thanks for the enlightenment.

[@randythompson2681]

Another beautiful bowtie, happy St. Patrick's Day.

[@colinkepple7555]

Can I recommend to you "The Ballad of the Old Calliope", by 'Banjo' Patterson. Australia's most famous poet. He also wrote 'Waltzing Matilda' and many other poems and ballads.

[@hamo946]

I'm Samoa German oh my goodness this is so good to know nothing but love and respect

[@unclebob6728]

Thank You Sir!

[@cannorworkus4546]

This is my favorite KZbin channel. However, gonna need you to square up that picture behind you please sir.

[@TheHistoryGuyChannel]

Sorry. One of the hats tipped too.

[@whiterabbit-wo7hw]

@@TheHistoryGuyChannel love your studio.