Mau Movement - 1962 Independence

1962 Independence

When Western Samoa finally gained its independence in 1962, Tupua Tamasese Meaole, brother of the Mau movement leader, became its first co-head of state with Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Fiame Mata'afa Faumuina Mulinu’u II (1921–1975), the son of another high chief and Mau leader Mata'afa Faumuina Fiame Mulinu'u I, became the first Prime Minister of Samoa.

In July 1997, the Samoa Constitution was amended to change the country's name to Samoa, and officially the Independent State of Samoa.

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Famous quotes containing the word independence:

    Our treatment of both older people and children reflects the value we place on independence and autonomy. We do our best to make our children independent from birth. We leave them all alone in rooms with the lights out and tell them, “Go to sleep by yourselves.” And the old people we respect most are the ones who will fight for their independence, who would sooner starve to death than ask for help.
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