Samoa Colonial Records

United States Colonization (1800s-1899)
The United States laid its claim in eastern Samoa. Tensions with Germany and United Kingdom came to a climax in 1899 and an agreement to split up Samoa was made. The eastern part of Samoa became the American Samoa.

German Colonization (1800s-1899 & 1900-1914)
Germany laid its claim in western Samoa. Tensions with United States and United Kingdom came to a climax in 1899 and an agreement to split up Samoa was made. The western part of Samoa became German Samoa in 1900. New Zealand forces seized control on 29 August 1914.

British Colonization (1800s-1899 & 1914-1962)
The British had presence in Samoa which it protected. Tensions with United States and Germany came to a climax in 1899 and an agreement to split up Samoa was made, including the United Kingdom vacating all claims in Samoa. The British became involved again in 1914 through a joint agreement with New Zealand.

New Zealand Colonization (1914-1962)
On 29 August 1914, New Zealand forces seized control of Western Samoa from the Germans at the request of Great Britain. Samoa was granted independence on 1 January 1962.