HAVE A RESPECTFUL MEMORIAL DAY, EVERYONE! I like to honor American veterans from some of our nation’s overlooked military actions since their service often seems forgotten. This year it’s the Second Samoan Civil War (1898-1899).
THE CONFLICT – On August 22nd, 1898 Malietoa Laupepa passed away. He had been the ruling King of Samoa by agreements among the German Empire, Great Britain and the United States. With his passing, the U.S. and Great Britain supported the ascension of his son Malietoa Tanumafili to the throne. The Germans supported Mata’afa Iosefo, a former rival of the late king who returned from exile.
Neither side would yield, and the three nations began reinforcing their military positions in the Samoan Islands to fight the imminent war. By January of 1899 Malietoa Tanumafili had been driven into exile by the Germans and their Samoan allies. The German-Mata’afan forces began forcibly removing Americans and Europeans from their homes. Continue reading
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