A common political fallacy is that democracy was a babe born in Guam during the mid-20th century under American rule. The fact is that democracy had its beginning in Guam almost two centuries ago when benevolent Spanish authorities allowed the local electorates to choose their gobernadorcillos (mayors).
History of Democracy in Guam Read Post »
Since the claim by Spain over the Mariana Islands in 1565 and the settlement of Jesuit missionaries and conquest of the CHamoru people in the 17th century, the control and ultimate political fate of Guam has been the subject of war and political controversy.
Guam’s Political Status Read Post »
Few peoples in the world have had continued colonial status for the past 330 years. However, the CHamoru people can claim this unfortunate distinction. It all began when Ferdinand Magellan, and his three small ships stumbled upon the Mariana Islands 6 March 1521. Totally exhausted, sick with scurvy and half-starved, Magellan and his crew were fed and the ship’s stores replenished. Magellan stayed just long enough to take vengeance on the islanders’ for their theft of his ship’s skiff, and, reportedly, carve out human entrails for his sick crew.
Guam and Its Three Empires Read Post »
Following World War II, the people of Guam faced not only the looming reconstruction of community structures and homes, but also institutional and cultural change. For Guam’s children some of the most significant transformations affected their daily lives — specifically, what and where students would learn, and who taught them at school.
Education After WWII Read Post »
As a result of America’s victory in the Spanish-American War, Spain sold Guam to the United States in 1898. Before long, it was determined that the US Navy would administer Guam.
English and Chamorro Language Policies Read Post »
Pedro Martinez Ada (1903 – 1995) founded numerous enterprises with his wife, Maria Palomo Ada, including a general store, supermarkets throughout the island, warehouses, a bowling alley, and numerous commercial and residential buildings throughout Guam.
Pedro Martinez Ada Read Post »
Maria Palomo Ada (1903 – 1996) also known as “Tan Maria” to the many in the community who knew her, co-founded a series of business ventures along with her husband, Pedro Ada, or “Tun Pedro” as he was more affectionately known.
Josef Martinez Ada (1885 – 1955) founded Ada’s Soap Factory, which was Guam’s most successful soap factory from the early 1930s until his death and Guam’s first locally owned and operated soap factory. His soap was made from coconut oil using recipes and techniques he learned in Germany as a student.
Josef Martinez Ada Read Post »
Ignacia Bordallo Butler (1897 – 1993) was a CHamoru entrepreneur and business partner with her husband, Chester Butler, who together successfully ran Butler’s Inc. She is also remembered for her strength in dealing with Japanese soldiers during World War II in Guam.
Ignacia Bordallo Butler Read Post »
Joseph Flores (1900 – 1981) was the first CHamoru to serve as governor of Guam. He also founded Guam’s first locally owned newspaper and financial institution, and was one of Guam’s most prominent post World War II businessmen.
Governor Joseph Flores Read Post »
