Mau movement in American Samoa

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The Mau movement in American Samoa or American Samoa Mau (Samoan: O le Mau), was an anti-colonial movement[1] and an independence movement formed in American Samoa in the 1920s, which was suppressed by the United States.[2] Established in late 1919[3] or early 1920, it aimed to challenge the overreach of the U.S. Navy's authority.[4]

The Mau movement has also been known in American Samoa by several other names, including The Committee of Samoan Chiefs, The Samoan Movement, The Samoan Cause,[5][6] The Samoan League,[7] and The Committee of the Samoan League.[8]

After revelations surfaced that U.S. officials had misappropriated public funds, prominent Samoan figures — supported by those who opposed the U.S. Navy's influence — mounted the widespread protest known as the Mau movement. They initiated a boycott of copra, a critical revenue source, effectively crippling the U.S. naval administration.[9] In 1920, copra production dropped to half its 1919 level — a decline attributed to the boycott, which brought copra cutting, roadwork, and most commercial activities to a standstill.[10]

Launched under the guidance of Mauga Moi Moi, the highest-ranking chief in Pago Pago, the movement took shape through his influential leadership.[11][12] When Samuel Sailele Ripley returned to Leone in July 1920, he became the leader of the Mau movement.[13][14] Following Mauga Moi Moi's death in 1935, Governor Otto Dowling asserted that the Mau movement had come to an end.[15]

The movement originally took shape in Pago Pago, then evolved and moved its headquarters from Pago Pago to Leone, and eventually settled in Nuʻuuli.[16] The leadership of the movement changed over time, featuring prominent figures such as Mauga Moi Moi from Pago Pago, Samuel Sailele Ripley from Leone,[17][18] Magalei Siāsulu from Faleniu,[19] and Chris Taliutafa Young, a descendant of Tui Manuʻa Matelita.[20] Most of its followers were based in the Western District on Tutuila Island.[21]

In the end, the Mau movement in American Samoa turned out to be less violent and extensive than the Mau movement in Western Samoa.[22][23][24]

Opposition to colonial domination in Samoa predated 1920. Once the eastern islands came under U.S. authority, Samoans grappled with safeguarding their cultural, economic, and political autonomy. Moreover, disputes regarding fair wages for construction work played a significant role in igniting the Mau movement.[25]

In 1902, discontent over the copra levy began among Tutuilans, especially in the Western District and Tuālāuta County — an area that would later play a pivotal role in the Mau movement. Seeking to quash this resistance, Governor Uriel Sebree imprisoned three local leaders and removed a Samoan judge who had lodged a formal complaint with the U.S. Navy. Sebree went on to characterize Samoans as “grown-up children who love form and ceremony.” By 1904, chiefs from both the Western and Eastern Districts met in official assemblies, urging the reduction of the copra tax and demanding accountability for how the funds were spent. Demonstrating unity, they undertook a malaga — traveling between Pago Pago and Leone — to collectively press their grievances.[26]

Between June 1919 and November 1920, Governor Warren Terhune faced widespread disapproval, and his governing style and decisions significantly contributed to the emergence of the Mau movement.[27] A.M. Noble was the chief architect of racist policies in American Samoa during the 1920s. Locally, Samoans referred to him as one of the “three white mice” - a nickname for three white supremacists in the Terhune administration.[28]

Formation

In 1920, Mauga Moi Moi initiated the Mau movement.[29] The movement began when Mauga Moi Moi raised concerns about the colony's financial management, disrespect towards chiefs, the disparity in pay between Fita Fita guards and U.S. naval personnel, the protection of Samoan women, and numerous other issues. Due to his vigorous opposition to the U.S. Navy and its administration, the movement was also referred to as “The Mauga’s Mau.”[30]

In February 1920, Mauga Moi Moi's leadership ignited the Mau movement when he questioned A. M. Noble’s and Luther Cartwright’s suitability under U.S. Navy authority. Although Noble justified that year's six-cent-per-pound copra rate as the highest on record, Police Officer Ta‘amu voiced concerns that the inflated price suggested government misuse of Samoan resources. These suspicions hinted at inconsistencies stretching back to 1919 or earlier. Commandant Uriel Sebree had previously noted local mistrust of copra taxes, particularly when imposed by foreign administrators. Allegations arose that Noble spoke disparagingly about the Samoan people. Tensions escalated by February 1920, with Mauga demanding Noble's dismissal and even threatening force against him.[31]

In June 1920, escalating tensions reached a peak at a fono meeting convened in Pago Pago. Chief Sātele Itulā and Mauga Moi Moi — both of whom had clashed with Noble — called into question how malaga funds were being used. Over several days, Samoans came by land and sea, some carrying weapons and others bringing ceremonial items like tapa cloth. Mauga declared that legislative power belonged exclusively to the Samoan chiefs, presenting a direct challenge to U.S. governance. Governor Warren Terhune tried unsuccessfully to ban all fono (assembly). Recognizing the seriousness of the confrontation, Noble viewed this moment as a defining act of collective Samoan defiance against American rule.

Key figures

Some key figures of the Mau movement in American Samoa were:[32]

Aims

U.S. response

References

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