~~
cf
their
own
ciass
of
chiefs.
Obviously,
this
has
deep
implications
Americans who go to the Marshall Islands in leadership roles, be
-_
for
Ehey connected
with health care systems or educational endeavors.
F.
Technology
The Marshallese technological system developed through ma
centuries to
meet the demands for survival in an environment that was great]
influenced by
the ever present sea.
In early times, the technology dealt withthe production
and use of tools and equipment related to very simple horticulture and to a
complex exploitation of the food resources on reefs, in the lagoofs, and at sea.
After the islands were occupied and dominated by the metropoli
n powers, the
commercial
of the world
exploitation of the coconut was emphasized becaus
market's need for oil.
The Germans, followed by the Japanese, devoted much capita ] and energy to
copra production.
During Japanese occupation, for example, area
groves were destroyed in the Marshalls and replaced with coconut
of breadfruit
tress.
While
the Marshallese were introduced slowly to modern technology by hetee and to
a greater degree by the Japanese, it took Worid War II to really
face with the extent of modern technology.
Japanese know-how and might.
t them face to
The Marshallese had gr pat respect for
However, this was replaced with a feeling of awe
when America defeated the then-seemingly all-powerful Japanese through their
superior technology and resources.
The fruit of Western technology is evident throughout th
Marshalls but
especially in the two urbanized areas of Rita on Majuro, and Ebey
on Kwajalein.
While the Marshallese utilize some forms of major technology, yet in the majority
of cases they contract out their needs to firms and organiza -ions from the
technological and industrialized nations on the Pacific rim.
Mo re will be said
about this in the section on the economy.
G.
The Economy
Agriculture as understood in the West is not a source o
Marshallese economy, the commercial processing and sale of copr
Significant exception.
can be observed.
being the only
There are signs that copra production d es not play the
imporant role it once did in spite of the establishment of
facility in Majuro.
income for the
an oil pressing
Entire areas of coconut groves that are not being cared for
Many Marshallese are also looking more and mor t for a salaried
position with some foreign business or with the government.