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 »
Captain Henry Glass’ bloodless seizure of Guam on 20-21 June 1898, his quick departure without establishing an American take-over government, and even the tears of the last Spanish governor – Juan Marina – who was overwhelmed with the kindness of Lieutenant William Braunersreuther for not looking at the letter Marina penned to his wife as he and other Spanish officers were taken away to Glass’ ship in a sudden downpour, are all part of the complex historical and contemporary consequences following this commencement of the early American period of Guam history.
Early American Period has Profound Implications Read Post »
Colonialism is a process of usurping an existing order or orders of meaning for a territory or a people, and replacing them with a new order which is defined by the colonizer at that order’s apex. The intended result is that the colonizer will from then on be understood as the source of the colonial world’s order, and the source of any potential progress.
American-Style Colonialism Read Post »
The composition of the Guam Hymn was greatly influenced by the socio-cultural and political history of pre-World War II Guam during the Naval Era. It was a time when the island was administered by Naval governors and the speaking and writing of the CHamoru language was discouraged.
Guam Hymn / Fanohge CHamoru Read Post »
Agueda Iglesias Johnston (1892 – 1977) was an educator, civic leader, patriot and a woman of great internal strength and fortitude. Her commitment to education earned her place in the history books as one of Guam’s foremost educators.
Agueda Iglesias Johnston 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 »
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 »
Francisco Duenas Perez (1913 – 1997), better known as Frank D. Perez, is known for many things: a farmer who pioneered the raising of hens for the local sale of eggs; a long-time political leader who helped found three political parties on Guam; the founder of the Guam Economic Development Authority; and a successful businessman in concrete manufacturing who helped build many homes in Guam today.
Eduardo Torres “Jake” Calvo (1909 – 1963) founded a number of extremely successful businesses that continue to thrive today and is the patriarch of a family that is perhaps the most well known family in business, civics, and politics on Guam.
Eduardo “Jake” Calvo Read Post »
