When most people think of the United States, they imagine the contiguous 48 states or perhaps Alaska and Hawaii. Few recall that America maintains sovereignty over numerous island territories across the Pacific and Caribbean—places like Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These islands, often overlooked in mainstream discourse, hold histories of colonization, resistance, and cultural resilience that intersect with today's most pressing global issues: climate change, militarization, indigenous rights, and post-colonial identity.
This blog explores the layered histories of these territories, their geopolitical significance, and how their struggles mirror broader debates about sovereignty, sustainability, and justice in the 21st century.
The U.S. acquisition of overseas territories began in the late 19th century during the era of American imperialism. The Spanish-American War (1898) marked a turning point, with the U.S. seizing Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines from Spain. Later, American Samoa was annexed in 1900, and the U.S. Virgin Islands were purchased from Denmark in 1917.
These territories were classified as "unincorporated," meaning they belonged to but were not part of the United States. This legal distinction denied their residents full constitutional rights, a status that persists today.
U.S. administrations often framed territorial control as a civilizing mission—bringing democracy, infrastructure, and economic opportunity. Yet, in reality, these islands were (and still are) treated as strategic military outposts and economic dependencies. Indigenous populations faced forced assimilation, land seizures, and political disenfranchisement.
For example:
- Puerto Rico: Subjected to "Americanization" policies that suppressed Spanish language and local culture.
- Guam: The Chamorro people endured decades of naval rule with limited self-governance.
- American Samoa: Traditional land ownership systems were disrupted to favor U.S. corporate interests.
Today, U.S. territories remain vital for global military strategy. Guam, dubbed "the tip of the spear," hosts key Air Force and Navy bases, positioning the U.S. near potential flashpoints with China and North Korea. Similarly, Puerto Rico’s Roosevelt Roads Naval Station was once a hub for Cold War operations.
But militarization comes at a cost:
- Environmental degradation: Live-fire exercises, like those in Vieques (Puerto Rico), have left toxic legacies.
- Cultural erasure: Sacred lands are often repurposed for defense projects without local consent.
- Economic dependency: While bases provide jobs, they distort local economies, leaving little room for sustainable development.
Activists across these territories have long resisted unchecked militarization. In Vieques, protests forced the Navy to cease bombing exercises in 2003. In Guam, indigenous groups challenge plans to relocate Marines from Okinawa, fearing ecological and cultural harm. These movements highlight a global pattern—wherever empires station troops, local communities bear the brunt.
U.S. territories are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Rising seas, intensifying storms, and coral bleaching threaten their very existence. Consider:
- Puerto Rico: After Hurricane Maria (2017), the island suffered a years-long recovery, exposing neglect from the mainland.
- Pacific Territories: King tides in the Marshall Islands (a former U.S. trust territory) already submerge homes regularly.
Yet, as non-states, these territories lack full representation in climate negotiations. They cannot independently access international aid or set binding emissions policies.
Some U.S. initiatives, like renewable energy projects in Guam, are touted as solutions. But critics argue these are often top-down impositions that ignore local knowledge. True sustainability requires sovereignty—allowing islanders to lead their own adaptation strategies.
While Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens (since 1917), they cannot vote for president unless they move to the mainland. American Samoans are classified as "U.S. nationals," not citizens, unless they naturalize. These contradictions reveal the hypocrisy of American democracy.
Debates over political status rage across territories:
- Puerto Rico: Repeated plebiscites show no consensus between statehood, independence, or enhanced autonomy.
- Guam: Some activists push for "Free Association" (like Palau and Micronesia) to regain control over immigration and trade.
These struggles reflect a global reckoning with post-colonial governance—from New Caledonia to Scotland.
The histories of U.S. territories are microcosms of broader themes: imperialism’s lingering scars, the tension between security and sovereignty, and the fight for survival in a warming world. As climate crises and geopolitical tensions escalate, these islands will only grow in importance—not just as strategic assets, but as communities demanding justice.
Their stories remind us that the age of empire never truly ended; it merely evolved. And until these territories are granted true self-determination, the promise of American democracy remains unfulfilled.
Further Reading & Resources:
- Islands of Resistance: Puerto Rico, Vieques, and U.S. Policy by Mario Murillo
- The Insular Cases and the Emergence of American Empire by Bartholomew Sparrow
- Documentaries: The Land of Eb (Marshall Islands), War for Guam
Would you like a deeper focus on a specific territory or issue? Let me know in the comments!