The Germans, in particular, have begun to…

The Germans, in particular, have begun to show great commercial interest in the Samoan Islands, especially on the island of Upolu, where German firms have monopolized copra and cocoa bean processing.

The United States lays its own claim, based on commercial shipping interests in Pearl River in Hawaii and Pago Pago Bay in Eastern Samoa, and forced alliances, most conspicuously on the islands of Tutuila and Manu'a, which will become American Samoa.

Britain also sends troops to protect British business enterprise, harbor rights, and consulate office.

This is followed by an eight-year civil war, during which each of the three powers will supply arms, training and in some cases combat troops to the warring Samoan parties.