In 1971, Nevada real estate tycoon Michael Oliver decided to build a utopian libertarian state free from taxes, welfare, and government interference. Targeting the Minerva Reefs—two submerged coral formations located in the South Pacific—Oliver's group dumped barge-loads of Australian sand to raise the reefs above high tide. In January 1972, they raised a new flag, minted custom coins, and officially declared the independent Republic of Minerva.
However, neighboring Pacific nations viewed the artificial island state with immense skepticism. King Tāufaʻāhau Tupou IV of Tonga was particularly concerned about a stateless corporate entity establishing a foothold in regional waters. In June 1972, Tonga issued an official proclamation claiming sovereignty over the reefs.
To enforce the claim, King Tupou IV personally led an expedition aboard the royal yacht, accompanied by a small Tongan defense force, a brass band, and prison laborers. They landed on the artificial island, lowered the Minervan flag, raised the Tongan flag, and performed a ceremonial annexation dance. The South Pacific Forum officially recognized Tonga's claim shortly thereafter, effectively crushing the utopian libertarian state without firing a single shot.