Introduction.
Saipan is an island, a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific, and the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands. It is the most developed island of the Northern Mariana Islands, with Golden beaches, restaurants, monuments, and hotels that are tourist attractions (Dundas, 2021). The island is also home to some of the most informative historical sites in the region, which contain historical evidence of the early Carolinian and Chamorro civilizations and other ancient artifacts that provide information about the island’s history, including the history of WW II (Grehan, 2021). The tourism attraction site has a favorable climate all year round, contributing to its green and productive landscape. Saipan’s diversified musical culture is categorized into local, Asian, and mainland American. The music is embedded with traditional dances which preserve the cultural beliefs and practices of the residents. Saipan’s history revolves around its culture, economy, and significant historical events that contributed to its development.
Saipan was formally established in 1899 when it became a German colony after it was purchased from Spain and Germany gained all rights to the island. However, the Japanese took over the newly acquired German territory after they defeated Germany during WWI, and Japan ruled the island until World War II in 1939 (McKinnon, 2020). Saipan became a battlefield during WW II, and the United States took over the island by establishing military bases, which facilitated their control and protection of the island from other countries, such as Germany and Japan (Grehan, 2021). The control of the United States over the Mariana islands, which included Saipan, was enforced and officially recognized by the U.N. trusteeship agreement. This agreement facilitated its formal recognition from a global perspective as the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. CNMI granted Saipan Island the liberty to govern itself and establish its government and constitution. Although the island was granted liberty to govern itself and enjoy government aspects such as labor, immigration, and taxation of its citizens, the United States was in charge of the defense of the island and represented its foreign affairs and interests in other nations (Dixon, 2022).
Saipan was established through its history of control by powers such as Germany, Japan, and the United States, which contributed to developing the island into a formally recognized nation. Their colonial powers contributed to the recognition of Saipan Island as part of the Northern Mariana Islands through the U.N. trusteeship agreement created by the United States. This agreement facilitated the island’s growth through independent governance and protection by the United States, facilitating its political, economic, and social development. The trusteeship agreement required the U.S. to encourage the social, economic, and political development of the Northern Mariana Islands, including Saipan, by supporting self-government in the Northern Mariana Islands and citizen engagement in governance. The trusteeship arrangement supported the U.N.’s post-World War II peace, security, and economic goals (Soder & McKinnon, 2019).
Before the establishment of Saipan Island, it was previously inhabited by the Chamorro and Carolinian people whose cultural heritage is still evident today through the available archeological sites. The remaining historical artifacts of these early populations of Saipan Islands inform about their ways of life, such as their economic practices like farming and fishing and cultural practices such as weaving. These archeological artifacts remind the current Saipan generation about their ancestors’ way of life. These early populations interacted with foreigners and adopted some of their cultural beliefs although the communities still preserve their cultural practices through social aspects such as music and dance. Religious beliefs, such as Christianity and Catholicism, were introduced to the early Saipan population by the Spanish, who imposed their language and cultural practices on the Chamorro and Carolinians. The traditional hunting and gathering way of life of the early communities of Saipan was also disrupted by the German’s establishment of coconut plantations. The colonization of Saipan Island by the Japanese and the United States limited their hunting expeditions due to restrictions.
The growth of Saipan was mainly contributed by the colonial powers such as the United States, Japan, and Germany, who introduced new policies and ways of life to the Carolinian and Chamorro. After WW II, Saipan Island developed economically and politically under the administration and protection of the United States, which was facilitated by the U.N. trusteeship agreement (McKinnon, 2020). The United States’ investments in tourism and infrastructure significantly contributed the economic growth, providing employment opportunities for local citizens. The security from eternal attacks by foreign powers such as Germany and Japan also contributed to the development of Saipan into a tourist attraction site, thus, facilitating trade and traveled across the Mariana Islands (Greham, 2021). In the current society, Saipan Island is a significant tourism and trade attraction due to its peace, serenity, clean beaches, cultural-based restaurants, and rich archeological sites. The tourism industry contributes to economic development by creating employment for the local citizens and government revenue used to build infrastructure, cultural exchange, and environmental conservation. These factors establish Saipan Island as a culturally diverse society due to the interaction of the local people with tourists.
Saipan Island has been shaped by historical events since its formal establishment, contributed by powers such as Japan, Germany, and the United States, some of which still contribute to its development today (Greham, 2021). The Spanish colonizers were the first historical event that resulted in significant cultural changes in the Saipan society through the introduction of Christianity. The arrival of the Spanish also resulted in the displacement of the early inhabitants of Saipan Island, such as the Chamorro. The second historical event that shaped the history of Saipan was the occupation of the Japanese and the beginning of WW II, which resulted in mass casualties and prolonged violence. The third historical event that shaped Saipan Island was the presence of the United States during WW II which resulted in the displacement of the inhabitants due to the establishment of military camps, which influenced their hunting expeditions (Soder, 2019). Another historical event that contributed to the modern-day Saipan Island is joining the commonwealth, which was facilitated by the U.N. trusteeship initiated by the United States. This event paved the way for the self-governance of Saipan Island, which contributed to its social and political development. The U.N. trusteeship also stipulated that the United States offer border protection of the Saipan Islands against powers such as Japan and Germany. The Commonwealth status granted to Saipan gave them more control over their foreign affairs, which contributed to the development of infrastructure, creation, and employment. These historical events made Saipan Island a melting point today due to diverse cultures such as Filipino, Chamorro, Chinese, and Korean. These diverse groups contributed to the social fabric in Saipan comprised of different religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Buddhists. Tourism and the garment industry drive Saipan’s economy due to its stunning beaches and coral reefs, which draw tourists worldwide. Offshore gaming has increased revenue in Saipan in recent years. A mayor, city council, and U.S. Congress delegate in the CNMI legislature control modern Saipan. Corruption, labor, and immigration have recently been significant issues in Saipan (Dixon, 2022).
Saipan comprises various power structures that benefit the region’s economic and social development. The Saipan has a government structure that holds most of its power within its borders. The U.N. trusteeship contributed to developing government power in the United States. The trusteeship enabled Saipan to join the CNMI, enabling Saipan to handle their international affairs and represent themselves on an international forum (Dixon, 2022). The establishment of independent Saipan government power has enhanced public services, economic development and employment, and law enforcement through its constitution. The past power structure that controlled Saipan Island was the tribal power which comprised the Carolinian and Chamorro communities. The tribal power contributed to Saipan’s development by enforcing cultural laws. Chamorro and Carolinian land ownership and stewardship underpin tribal power, which values sustainability and natural resource protection and respects the land and sea. Tribal power helped preserve and promote cultural traditions by passing on their people’s cultural traditions and practices (LaBriola, 2019). Tribal elders promoted communal unity and cooperation by serving as role models and leaders. However, the tribal power structure has been significantly depleted in contemporary society due to the introduction of modern government and laws. The family was the earliest power structure still significant in modern Saipan. The community was controlled by powerful families such as the Sablan family, which had social and economic connections, thus contributing to decisions that affected the community (LaBriola, 2019). The Sablan family was involved in political matters because they became members of the CNMI government and acquired positions such as representative and senator. The involvement of such families in politics made them significant members of society by contributing to social and economic development. These past and present power structures influenced the development of the modern Saipan, which is politically and socially stable.
Conclusion.
Saipan’s history revolves around its culture, economy, and significant historical events that contributed to its development. During World War II, Saipan was used as a battleground between the United States, Japan, and Germany. The United States established military stations on the island to ensure its control and safety. Saipan is part of the Mariana Islands, and the United Nations trusteeship agreement formalized and recognized U.S. rule over these islands. The growth of Saipan was mainly contributed by the colonial powers such as the United States, Japan, and Germany, who introduced new policies and ways of life to the Carolinian and Chamorro. The Spanish colonizers were the first historical event that resulted in significant cultural changes in the Saipan society through the introduction of Christianity. Another historical event that shaped Saipan Island was the presence of the United States during WW II which resulted in the displacement of the inhabitants due to the establishment of military camps, which influenced their hunting expeditions. The United States and the joining of Saipan to the CNMI also shaped Saipan. These events and powers contributed to Saipan Island’s economic and social development.
References
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LaBriola, M. C. (2019). Marshall Islands in Review: Issues and Events, July 1 2017 to June 30 2018.
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Soder, S. (2019). ” The Japanese and US Fought the War, We Ended Up Paying the Price”: The Indigenous Experience on Saipan During World War II. East Carolina University.
Soder, S., & McKinnon, J. F. (2019). It rained fire: Oral histories from the Battle for Saipan. Lulu. com.
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