History
The Marshall Islands were claimed by Spain in l592, but were left basically undisturbed by the Spanish Empire for 300 years. In l885, Germany took over the administration of the Marshall Islands and located trading stations on the islands of Jaluit and Ebon to carry out the flourishing copra (dried coconut meat) trade. Marshallese iroij (chiefs) continued to rule under indirect colonial German administration. At the beginning of the First World War, Japan assumed control of the Marshall Islands, first under civil and then a naval administration. Japan's headquarters remained at Jaluit. United States Marines and soldiers with naval and air support took control from the Japanese in early l944 following intense fighting on Kwajalein and Enewetak atolls. In l947, the United States entered into agreement with the United Nations Security Council to administer the former Japanese mandate, of which the Marshalls were a part, known as the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. In recognition of the evolving political status, on May l, l979, the United States recognized the Constitution of the Marshall Islands and the establishment of the Government of the Marshall Islands (RMI). | |
|
