The Siege of Apia occurs in March…

The Siege of Apia occurs in March 1899. 

Samoan forces loyal to Prince Tanu are besieged by a larger force of Samoan rebels loyal to Mata'afa Iosefo.

Supporting Prince Tanu are landing parties from four British and American warships.

After several days of fighting, the Samoan rebels are finally defeated.

The joint commission of Germany, the United States and Great Britain abolishes the Samoan kingship in June 1899.

American and British warships, including the USS Philadelphia, shell Apia on March 15, 1899.

Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States quickly resolve to end the hostilities and divide the island chain at the Tripartite Convention of 1899, signed at Washington on December 2, 1899, with ratifications to be exchanged on February 16, 1900.