Outbreak of the ten-year Nauruan Tribal War

Background. Nauruans had regular contact with Europeans from at least 1826, primarily through whaling and trading ships. This contact eventually led to the introduction of firearms to the island's inhabitants. These weapons played a significant role in the subsequent conflict, which is described as the bloodiest tribal war in Nauruan history. The war was fought between forces loyal to incumbent King Aweida and those seeking to depose him in favor of a rival claimant.

Outbreak. The conflict began in 1878. The introduction of firearms to the island and its inhabitants preceded the war. The war was fought between forces loyal to incumbent King Aweida of Nauru and those seeking to depose him in favor of a rival claimant. The conflict lasted for ten years, ending in 1888.

Resolution. German authorities declared that unless all firearms and munitions were turned over to the German government in one day, the chiefs would be executed. The next morning, the natives of the island turned over 765 weapons and several thousand rounds of ammunition, ending the bloodiest tribal war in Nauruan history.