When most people think of the United States, they imagine the 50 states or perhaps Puerto Rico. Few remember the scattered islands and atolls that remain under U.S. control—places like Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the smaller territories of Palmyra Atoll or Wake Island. These lands, often overlooked in mainstream discourse, hold complex histories of colonization, militarization, and cultural survival. Today, as climate change threatens their very existence and geopolitical tensions rise in the Pacific, their stories demand attention.
The U.S. acquired its territories through a mix of purchase, annexation, and conquest. For example:
- Guam and Puerto Rico were taken from Spain in 1898 after the Spanish-American War.
- American Samoa became a U.S. territory in 1900 through a treaty with local chiefs (though some argue it was coerced).
- The Northern Mariana Islands were captured from Japan in World War II and later became a U.S. commonwealth.
These acquisitions were driven by military strategy, not the welfare of Indigenous populations. Even today, territories lack full voting representation in Congress, a lingering injustice.
Many U.S. territories are essentially military outposts. Guam, for instance, hosts major Air Force and Navy bases, making it a key node in U.S. defense strategy—particularly as tensions with China escalate. Meanwhile, the people of these islands bear the environmental and social costs: land seizures, pollution, and the risk of becoming targets in potential conflicts.
Pacific territories like American Samoa and the Marshall Islands (a former U.S. trust territory) face rising sea levels that could render them uninhabitable within decades. Saltwater intrusion ruins freshwater supplies, while stronger typhoons—linked to climate change—destroy infrastructure.
Yet, despite contributing almost nothing to global emissions, these islands receive minimal aid compared to states. The U.S. government’s response has been sluggish, raising questions about environmental racism.
Some territories are exploring radical solutions:
- Artificial island elevation (as seen in the Maldives).
- Mass migration plans, though this risks cultural erasure.
- Legal battles for climate reparations from polluting nations.
Indigenous leaders argue that without drastic action, their homelands—and histories—will vanish.
In American Samoa, the Samoan language remains strong, but English dominance grows due to U.S. influence. Similarly, Chamorro (Guam’s Indigenous language) is endangered, with only about 20% of the population fluent. Activists are fighting back with immersion schools and media campaigns.
Tourism fuels economies but often commodifies culture. In Saipan (Northern Marianas), traditional practices are repackaged for visitors, sometimes distorting their meaning. Younger generations struggle to balance modernity with heritage.
The struggles of U.S. territories mirror global crises: climate injustice, Indigenous rights, and the scars of colonialism. Their voices are rarely heard in Washington, yet their fates are tied to America’s choices. As the world grapples with inequality and environmental collapse, these islands offer lessons—and warnings—for us all.
The future of these islands isn’t just a territorial issue—it’s a human one.