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.
Read more about this topic: Mau Movement
Famous quotes containing the word independence:
“... we’re not out to benefit society, to remold existence, to make industry safe for anyone except ourselves, to give any small peoples except ourselves their rights. We’re not out for submerged tenths, we’re not going to suffer over how the other half lives. We’re out for Mary’s job and Luella’s art, and Barbara’s independence and the rest of our individual careers and desires.”
—Anne O’Hagan (1869–?)