Print version of this study guide (https://www.guampedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Research-and-Reflect-on-Guams-Quest-for-Self-Determination-2.pdf) or all six (https://www.guampedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Research-and-Reflect-on-Guams-Quest-for-Self-Determination-All.pdf).

2 of 6 Study guides for individuals and/or small groups

Subjects

Political Science, Civics, Government, World History, Guam History, CHamoru Studies

Grade-level

High School, 9-12

College

Time required

Research/inquiry 20 – 40 minutes

Reflection 60 – 120 minutes

Materials required

Note: Reflection papers can be emailed to instructor to remain paperless

Objective

Research and Reflect on Guam’s Quest for Self-Determination.

Inquiry statement

The United States began its colonial administration of Guam in 1898. Today, more than 120 years later, Guam remains a colony of the US as an unincorporated territory. Because of this colonial status, the island and its people lack full self-government and guaranteed civil rights afforded to other US citizens.

Post War Reconstruction and Guam Congress Walkout (1944-1949)

As the island entered into a postwar reconstruction period, the two leading causes of conflict between CHamorus and the Navy were land and employment. Many CHamorus found themselves losing land as the US military seized roughly two-thirds of the island’s landmass for military use. Additionally, CHamoru laborers were subject to discrimination in the workplace as they earned only one-fourth the pay rate of American laborers performing identical jobs. US citizenship and self-government were seen as a way CHamorus could prevent further land alienation, job discrimination, and other inequities.

I. Documentary

Independent or group viewing of Lazaro Quinata’s documentary on Guam’s Quest for Self-determination on Guampedia.com (run time: 8:00 minutes).

  • Self-Determination on Guam

II. Entries

Read aloud designated entries on Guampedia.com

  • Land Ownership on Guam
  • National Attention on Guam’s Postwar Campaign for Citizenship
  • Guam Congress Walkout

III. Reflection Questions

Students assigned to write a 2-3 page paper based on the reflection questions posed. Encourage students to think critically, to hasso, and use their imaginations and share their voices. Questions can be specific to the particular exercise or general to the project.

Suggested reflection
  • Do you think the people of Guam’s rights were taken into consideration by the US government during this historic time in Guam’s history?
  • How did what happened after the war impact the CHamoru people?

Guampedia study guides in this series

  1. Early Civil Rights and Non-US Citizenship (1898-1944)
  2. Post War Reconstruction and Guam Congress Walkout
  3. Organic Act of Guam (1950)
  4. Guamanian Era (1960s – 1970s)
  5. Contemporary Era (1980s – Present)
  6. CHamoru Efforts