Patterns of Colonial Rule in Micronesia

By David HanlonPresented By

Patricia Rodriguez

Patterns of Colonial Rule in Micronesia

David Hanlon• 1970: 1st came to Pacific (Peace Corps)

• until 1973: served on the island of Pohnpei as English language teacher

•1977-1980: returned to island taught at Community College

•1994: published article

Hanlon’s

Hanlon reveals the defining characteristics of each era & colonizing power in Micronesia

to prove that there is a need for a closer evaluation into the perspectives of

Micronesians and their view of their colonial past

Hanlon’sHanlon does this by discussing

the historical patterns of colonization of Micronesia by the Spanish, German, and Japanese.

the depiction of each power’s ceremony of possession and strategy for domination

Summary

Introduction

Colonial Claims

Ceremonies of

Possession

Strategies for

Domination

Introduction

Micronesia

“tiny islands”Physical

domination

Introduction

Micronesia

“tiny islands”Physical

domination

19th century imperial

world’s need

Summary

Introduction

Colonial Claims

Ceremonies of

Possession

Strategies for

Domination

Colonial Claims

SpanishGerman

yJapan

Colonial Claims

SpanishEarly exploration in

Pacific (16th century)

Showed LITTLE interest

Colonial Claims

Germany

1878: German Commercial activity

1885: Germans take over

1898: Spanish-American War

1885: Germans RULE!

Colonial Claims

Japan1914: during WWI, sailed into harbors of

islands & claimed them

1919: League of Nations & Class C Mandate

Japanese RULE!

Summary

Introduction

Colonial Claims

Ceremonies of

Possession

Strategies for

Domination

Ceremonies of

Possession

Positive

Negative

Aspects ofCeremonies

of Possession

Ceremonies of

Possession

Primitivismformalize boundary between colonizer and the colonized

colonizers used primitivism to their advantage

primitivism had to be studied thoroughly so it could be exploited politically

Steeped in SUPERSTITION, IGNORANCE, THIEVERY,

UNRESTRAINED SEXUALITY

Complained of POLYGAMY, DIVORCE, GROUP WIFE,

DIFFICULTY WITH LANGUAGE, ALOOFNESS w/

Missionary Endeavors

Distrustful

APATHETICTREACHEROUS

“incorrigiblevegabonds”

Third-class people

Summary

Introduction

Colonial Claims

Ceremonies of

Possession

Strategies for

Domination

• Legitimize rule by seizing indigenous authority• Use vehicle of domination• RESISTANCE• Missionaries as positive agents of change• Use of Education• Segregation in Schools

Strategies for

Domination

Historical Analysis• Hanlon’s article is accurate, complete,

informative, & relevant– Objective (provides insight on both sides Colonizer

vs. Colonized)

• Significance stems from Hanlon revealing to us the true motives and methods of the colonizers for colonizing Micronesia

(eye-opener)

Historiographical Analysis

• Hanlon’s article is counter-canonical & islander-centered– Micronesia– Positive AND Negative aspects of ceremonies– Exploitation of primitivism