Mau movement

The Mau was a non-violent movement for Samoan independence. It existed during the first half of the 20th century. The word "Mau" means resolute or unwavering in the Samoan language.

The movement's motto was "Samoa mo Samoa," meaning Samoa for the Samoans. It sought to end colonial rule in the islands. This movement aimed to protect the traditional Samoan way of life, known as fa'a Samoa. It eventually helped Samoa achieve political independence in 1962.

Resistance to foreign rule began much earlier than the main movement. In the early 1900s, a group called Mau a Pule formed on the island of Savai'i.

This group was led by Lauaki Namulau'ulu Mamoe, a leader from Safotulafai. The conflict started in 1908 over a dispute with the German colonial administration. The disagreement involved a copra business owned by native Samoans. The German Governor, Wilhelm Solf, responded by using warships to show his strength. He also deposed members of the Malo o Samoa, which was the Samoan Council of Chiefs. In 1909, Lauaki and other senior leaders were exiled to the Marianas. Lauaki died in 1915 while traveling back to Samoa.

Control of Samoa changed when New Zealand annexed the territory in 1914. This happened at the start of World War I. The New Zealand administration faced a massive crisis in 1919. An influenza epidemic arrived on the ship SS Talune.

Because the administrators did not contain the spread, the sickness moved through Samoa in one week. Approximately 7,500 Samoans died, which was about 22 percent of the population. This catastrophe caused deep discontent with the New Zealand government. Many felt the administration was incompetent and dishonest. This event laid the foundation for a revitalized resistance.

As the movement grew, it relied on the traditional matai system. Matai are the heads of families in Samoa's social structure.

These leaders used their influence to organize national support. One key leader was Olaf Frederick Nelson, a wealthy merchant of mixed Swedish and Samoan heritage. Nelson had lost many family members to the 1919 influenza epidemic. He was frustrated that the colonial government excluded native people from decision-making. In 1926, Nelson helped form the O le Mau, or the Samoan League. The movement even published its own newspaper called the Samoa Guardian.

The Mau used civil disobedience to challenge New Zealand rule. This means they peacefully refused to follow certain laws or customs. Supporters wore a specific uniform of a navy blue lavalava with a white stripe.

They boycotted imported goods and refused to pay taxes. They even formed their own police force to picket stores in Apia. In many villages, people stopped harvesting coconuts or working on banana plantations. They also ignored government officials during tours. By the late 1920s, around 85 percent of the Samoan population was involved in this resistance.

A tragic event occurred on December 28, 1929, in the capital city of Apia. This day is known as Black Saturday.

New Zealand military police fired on a procession of people. The group was attempting to prevent the arrest of one of their members. Up to 11 Samoans were killed during the violence. Among the dead was the paramount chief and Mau leader, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III.

One New Zealand constable was also killed by protesters during the outbreak. This moment remains a significant part of Samoa's history.

The Mau movement showed the strength of Samoan culture and unity. Even after leaders like Nelson were exiled, the people continued to resist. The movement's use of traditional village committees created an alternative system of governance. These committees allowed Samoans to manage their own affairs despite colonial pressure. The struggle for self-rule was long and difficult. However, the persistence of the Mau eventually led to the birth of a sovereign nation in 1962.