~~ 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.