Tokelau, composed of three remote atolls—Atafu, Nukunonu, and Fakaofo—was officially annexed by the United Kingdom in 1916. Prior to this, Tokelau had been under informal British influence, primarily for maritime governance and missionary activities. The annexation came amid a broader context of increasing imperial expansion in the Pacific region, which saw several nations vying for control over various islands to secure strategic advantages and economic opportunities. The British sought to consolidate their territories in the Pacific, and Tokelau provided a strategic location for maritime navigation and trade routes. Following the annexation, British administrators implemented new governance structures aimed at exploiting the islands' resources while also imposing their legal system on the local populace.In the years following the annexation, British authorities initiated various reforms that affected the socio-economic structure of Tokelau’s society. Unfortunately, these changes often disregarded traditional practices and customs, leading to tensions between the indigenous communities and colonial administrators. The introduction of foreign legal systems and economic practices disrupted local governance and resource management, upsetting the balance of life in Tokelau. Despite these changes, the Tokelauan communities found ways to adapt to their new reality while preserving some of their cultural practices.The annexation of Tokelau is a significant moment in the history of colonialism in the Pacific. It highlights the power dynamics of the time where local territories and their peoples faced significant transformations under colonial rule. Although Tokelau was annexed in the early 20th century, the region's push for self-governance and decolonization continued throughout the latter half of the century, reflecting broader trends in Pacific Island politics and global resistance to colonial governance.