The United States doesn't exist in isolation. The nation has affected the world community through diplomacy, imperialism, war, cultural exports, and the global economy. Other countries and immigrants to the US have also had a profound influence on the course of American history.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders play a key role in the story of the United States in the world community. They have immigrated from countries directly affected by the US and forge transnational connections in the mainland US. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have joined global movements for peace, suffrage, human rights, and anti-colonialism. Many have traveled around the world as missionaries or members of the Armed Forces. Foreign-born Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made the US their new temporary or permanent home. They have enriched American culture and society and often challenged the nation to live up to its stated values. Asian American and Pacific Islander artists, performers, and writers have driven cultural exchange across borders.
Asian American and Pacific Islander experiences vary as much out in the wider world as they do at home. Explore some of their stories here.
Dr. Me-Iung Ting
Dr. Me-Iung Ting worked tirelessly to improve medical care for women, children, and refugees, even when it put her at great personal risk.
Sites of Resistance to Imperialism
How can we understand historic sites, parks, and places in relation to US empire and imperialism?
Liliuokalani, Hawaii's Last Queen
In this lesson, students explore the life of Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani and her advocacy for Hawaiian sovereignty from Iolani Palace.
Asian Americans and World War II
Come learn about the history of Asian Americans and World War II, and how the war dramatically changed Asian American communities.
Daniel Inouye
Daniel Inouye was one of the most influential US politicians during his 50 year career in the US Senate representing Hawaii.
Discover More Stories of Encountering the World Community
Showing results 1-6 of 6
- Type: Article
World War II brought several changes to what and how we eat. French, Italian, and Chinese food soon became popular in America beyond immigrant neighborhoods. Other changes were spurred by foods included in military rations and food produced using technologies developed during the war.
- War In The Pacific National Historical Park
Assan through the Ages
- Type: Article
- Locations: War In The Pacific National Historical Park
Assan Beach, the 2,500-yard shoreline stretching between Punta Adilok (Adelup Point) and Punta Assan (Asan Point), which the Marines in World War II called a "pair of devil horns," is a poignant symbol of the Guam's complex history, blending indigenous CHamoru traditions, wartime struggle, and ongoing military presence. In many ways, the story of Guam can be read through the story of Assan Beach. Talk a walk through history at Assan Beach.
- War In The Pacific National Historical Park
Manenggon: A Time of Sorrow and Pain
- Type: Article
- Locations: War In The Pacific National Historical Park
Just days before the Battle of Guam, General Takashina ordered approximately 18,000 people, nearly the entire civilian population of Guam, to relocated to concentration camps in the jungles in the interior of the island. Manenggon was the largest of the camps. Most CHamoru spent the Battle of Guam in the concentration camps.
- Type: Article
To understand the geography of the American home front in World War II, we need to go back as far as the middle of the 1800s. In 1940, almost 19 million people – 12.2% of the US population -- lived in these US jurisdictions.
- Type: Article
For many, Maria Ylagan Orosa’s contributions both before and during World War II are unknown. Those that have heard of her most often know Maria as the inventor of banana ketchup. But her impact on Philippine life and her heroism on the home front in World War II are so much larger.
- Type: Person
Dr. Me-Iung Ting worked tirelessly to improve medical care for women, children, and refugees, even when it put her at great personal risk. Ting’s experiences as a foreign student studying in the US illustrate the influence of American medical education around the world.
Tags:
international relations asian american and pacific islander aapi asian american pacific islander asian american pacific islander heritage asian american pacific islander history aapi heritage aapi history aanhpi aanhpi heritage aanhpi history native hawaiian native hawaiian heritage native hawaiian history
Last updated: July 12, 2024