Manu’a Cession Day in American Samoa ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Manu’a Cession Day in American Samoa and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
The Manu’a Cession Day is a public holiday in American Samoa. It commemorates the day when the United States took control of the islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u from the Kingdom of Samoa in 1900. The cession was agreed to by the Malietoa Tanumafili II, the head of state of Samoa at the time, and the US government. The US had been interested in the islands for some time, as they were seen as key strategic location in the Pacific.
The agreement saw the US pay $5,000 in exchange for the two islands, which were then placed under American naval protection. The US also agreed to build a coaling and repair station on Pago Pago harbor, which was of great importance to the US Navy.
The cession was not without its critics, both in Samoa and the US. Some Samoans felt that their country had been betrayed, while others saw it as a necessary step in order to protect the islands from European powers. In the US, there was debate about whether the acquisition was constitutional, as it had not been approved by Congress.
Despite the controversy, the Manu’a Cession Day is now widely celebrated in American Samoa. It is a time to remember the island’s history and to celebrate the close relationship between the US and Samoa.