Around 1899, Mr. Moors began collecting newspaper articles about Samoa, compiling them in an old ledger book. The collection consisted of articles detailing the events leading up to the partition of Samoa between Germany, Great Britain, and the United States, as established by the Three Powers Treaty. This treaty was a result of the Samoan Crisis, which was caused by the competing interests of the three powers in the region.
Mr. Moors’ collection also included articles about the Samoan Civil War, which took place from 1898-1899 between supporters of Mata’afa Iosefo and supporters of Malietoa Tanumafili I. While the conflict was driven by internal Samoan politics and external meddling by foreign powers, the involvement of Germany in providing rifles to Mata’afa’s supporters played a significant role in the outcome of the war.
The collection provides a historical account of the Samoan Crisis and the Samoan Civil War, shedding light on the complex political and economic factors that drove the conflicts, as well as the impact of the partitioning of Samoa on the Samoan people. It also offers insights into the role of the media in shaping public opinion during this period and highlights the practice of amateur collectors and historians in preserving historical records.
Overall, Mr. Moors’ collection of newspaper articles about Samoa is a valuable resource that provides a glimpse into a little-known conflict that had significant implications for the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific. Its preservation is a testament to the enduring value of historical records and the importance of amateur collectors in preserving our collective memory.
