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Samoa, formerly known as Western Samoa, gained its independence from New Zealand on 1 January 1962. Western Samoa was a League of Nations mandate administered by New Zealand from 1918 until 1962, when it became an independent state.
The Samoan struggle for independence began in the early 20th century. The Samoan Mau, a political movement that sought Samoan independence from New Zealand, was founded in 1908. In 1929, the Mau launched a non-violent campaign of civil disobedience against the New Zealand administration. The campaign was successful in bringing the Samoan question to the attention of the international community.
In 1945, the United Nations (UN) established the Trusteeship Council to oversee the administration of former League of Nations mandates. Western Samoa was one of the first trust territories to be placed under the supervision of the UN. The UN Trusteeship Council played an important role in preparing Western Samoa for independence.
In the early 1960s, the UN began to prepare Western Samoa for independence. In 1961, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution granting Western Samoa independence on 1 January 1962. On 1 January 1962, Western Samoa became the first Polynesian nation to gain independence.
There are a number of reasons why Samoa is independent.
- The Samoan Mau was successful in its non-violent campaign of civil disobedience. The Mau was able to unite the Samoan people behind the goal of independence. The campaign also brought the Samoan question to the attention of the international community.
- The New Zealand government was willing to grant Samoa its independence. The New Zealand government recognized that Samoa was ready for independence and that it was in the best interests of both Samoa and New Zealand for Samoa to become an independent state.
- The UN played an important role in preparing Samoa for independence. The UN Trusteeship Council oversaw the administration of Samoa and helped to prepare the country for independence.
The independence of Samoa is a significant event in Samoan history. It marks the end of colonial rule and the beginning of a new era for Samoa as a sovereign state.