U.S.+Virgin+Islands+-+Phillip,+Kenny

** United States Virgin Islands ** By Kenny Kim and Phillip Song



The US virgin islands were first settled by Caribs. In 1555, the Spain arrived and conquered the islands. However, ever since 1625, the French started to live in the islands. In 1653, the islands were sold to the company of France called " Compagnie des Indes Occidentales". After the abolition of slavery in 1848, the U.S. purchased the islands for $25million from Denmark in 1917.
 * 1. What were the dates of the expansion?**

The process of U.S. acquiring the territory was simple. The U.S. feared that the Germany might use the islands as their submarine bases. By considering strategy of importance and location where its between New York and Panama, the U.S. bought the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. There weren't any major conflicts that aroused as a result of the expansion because the U.S. simply bought the islands from Denmark with mass amount of money. This was a more peaceable manner of acquiring the land than simply seizing the land in times of crisis.
 * 2. Give a brief explanation of how and why the U.S. acquired the territory. Include discussion of conflicts that arouse as a result of this expansion.**

Yes, the Danish Crown fully approved of the deal to transfer ownership of the lands to the United States. During World War One, the US government purchased this land from Denmark due to its strategic position that USA believed would aide them in the war. Denmark approved the deals because The Danish Crown felt that the U.S. might seize the islands, if they were invaded by Germany. Therefore, selling the lands to the powerful USA seemed like a good idea instead of falling at its mercy when they were in desperate need of tactical bases.
 * 3. Did the ruling governments of the territories approve of the deals? Why or why not?**

The first people to inhabit the US Virgin Islands were the indigenous tribes of the Ciboney, the Caribs, and the Arawaks. The inhabitants were colonized and ruled over by several nations. Spain, England, Holland, France, the Knights of Malta and Denmark all at one point or another held control over what is known today as the US Virgin Islands. At first, this land was fueled by slave labor in producing sugarcane. Thus, the economy was booming, however, when slavery was abolished in 1848, the inhabitants had little to do as the economy of the islands was ruined. Eventually, much of the indigenous population was exterminated due to the various natural disaster combined with the diseases and hardships that the colonizers posed to the natives’ lifestyles. Today, no actual indigenous populations exist on the US Virgin Islands, due to the impact harsh colonization brought on by the earlier European settlers.
 * 4. What was the impact on the inhabitants of the territory?**

From the history until today, the U.S. virgin islands haven't influenced the U.S. negatively. The U.S. have been using the islands as their submarine bases. The U.S. virgin islands is mainly famous for tourism. Its their primary economic activity which covers 80% of their GDP and employment. Also, they mainly export sugarcane and oil related products. There are world's largest petroleum refineries are located especially in St. Croix. The total population of the islands is 108,210, but the population decreases 0.27% every year.
 * 5. What was the effect this expansion had on U.S.?**

Economically, this addition of land helped the US tremendously. There are over 100,000 people living on the islands today, and the islands receive about 2 million visitors a year. Thus, in a fiscal sense, the addition of the USVI (US Virgin Islands) has been positive. What was been an island populated by poor indigenous people has been converted into a tourist powerhouse, generating much revenue for the US. However, when considering the population of the USVI, 0% is actual native people. The colonization of the land has resulted in a complete extinction of the indigenous tribes that once flourished on the land. Therefore in conclusion, for the US, the acquisition of the USVI meant success while for the tribal populations of the past, every event relating to colonization contributed in slowly destroying them.
 * 6.Overall, was the addition of this piece of land positive or negative? Consider all parties involved when developing your answer to this question. **

1."History of US Virgin Islands." __History of Nations__. 6 July 2004. 26 Aug. 2009 . 2. __US Virgin Islands__. Digital image. __Luxury Yacht Charters__. 26 Aug. 2009 . 3. Flag of US Virgin Islands. Digital image. 25 Aug. 2009 . 4. "History of the United States Virgin Islands." __Virgin Islands Travel Information__. Summer 2000. 26 Aug. 2009 . 5. Boyer, Paul. __American Nation.__ San Francisco: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 2003 6. "   Virgin Islands** of the **United States ." __Encyclopædia__ __Britannica __ . 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica  Online. 26 Aug. 2009 <[]>. 
 * Bibliography **