The Pacific Islands and the USA

"The world's most powerful nation, and more than a dozen of the world's smallest, have been interacting for 200 years. Beginning with whaling in the 1700's, it has continued through many trades, investment, eduction, churches, media, diplomacy and strategic issues. As significant as the movement of Americans to the Pacific is that of 150,000 Pacific Islanders to the USA. This important book documents the growing interaction with the USA to the pinnacle of involvement in World War II. The importance of USA to the Pacific Islands remained high until the end of the 1980's but has declined since then on almost every dimension. While USA will remain significant for the Pacific Islands, its relative profile will continue to decline." -- Back cover.