The Recent History of U.S. Territorial Acquisitions: The Northern Mariana Islands

The United States has a rich and complex history of territorial acquisitions, with the largest and most prominent being the acquisition of the Philippines after the Spanish-American War in 1898. However, a more recent and lesser-known acquisition, the Northern Mariana Islands, brings us into the modern era of U.S. territorial expansion.

Historical Context of the Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands’ path to becoming a territory of the United States is a fascinating tale that stretches back to the late 19th century. Initially, the Spanish controlled the region, including the northern islands. In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, the U.S. took control of the southernmost island, Guam, while the northern islands were sold to Germany.

Germany, which had colonial ambitions, were eventually defeated in the First World War and consequently lost its colonies. The League of Nations was established to manage these former colonies, designating the Northern Mariana Islands to be part of the Japanese Mandate of the Pacific Islands. This status endured until 1945, when Japan lost World War II and the United Nations took over as the administration body for these territories.

Path to Sovereignty

The Northern Mariana Islands opted to become a non-self-governing territory of the United States in 1978, making it a commonwealth with the same status as Puerto Rico. This decision was taken in 1978, marking the most recent period when the United States formally acquired territory, 88 years after the acquisition of Guam in 1898.

During the period of U.S. trusteeship over these territories, various changes and developments occurred. Notably, other portions of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI) territories such as Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands became independent nations under the United Nations.

Further Acquisitions and Disputes

The acquisition of the Northern Mariana Islands following World War II was part of a broader pattern of U.S. involvement in the Pacific region. However, this was not without its complications. Other instances of territorial changes have included:

The Chamizal dispute, resulting in a small transfer of land at El Paso in 1964. The 1970 transfer mentioned in the Rio Grande border disputes which involved a small territory change. The boundary disputes listed in the list of areas disputed by Canada and the United States.

The Northern Mariana Islands have been under U.S. administration through the Compact of Free Association, which provides various benefits and ties between the U.S. and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Conclusion

The history of the Northern Mariana Islands as a U.S. territory is a complex and evolving story that reflects the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region. The acquisition of the Northern Mariana Islands in 1986 is a significant event, marking the most recent addition to the U.S. territorial holdings, and its implications continue to shape the political and economic relations in the region.