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Which colonial powers divided the Samoan islands in 1899?
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In 1899, the Samoan islands were divided between the United States and Germany.12
Following years of tripartite tension involving the United States, Germany, and Great Britain, the three powers reached an agreement in 1899 to partition the archipelago. Under this arrangement, the United States took control of the eastern islands (now American Samoa), while Germany took control of the western islands (Western Samoa). Great Britain received compensation elsewhere for relinquishing its claims in the region.132
It is important to note that this division was carried out by these colonial powers without any consultation with the Samoan people, an act that caused deep resentment among the local population.1