Germans In Samoa: 1860-1914

In the nineteenth century, the Navigator Islands of Samoa became the home of thousands of German immigrants looking for a better life. From runaway or shipwrecked sailors to planters, missionaries, and mail-order brides, each individual had a story and a unique influence in the islands. The infrastructure built by German engineers, architects, and government employees from 1900 to 1914, during which time Upolu and Savaii were colonized by Germany, became the foundation on which modern Samoa currently stands. Many others made economic, scientific, or agricultural contributions which continue to impact the islands and the wider world today. Perhaps the most influential legacies left by these immigrants are their families. From Samoa to New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Europe, tens of thousands of individuals around the world today proudly claim German-Samoan heritage because of this history. While many were repatriated to Germany after the First World War, the impact of Germans in Samoa remains. This book is their story. Read more