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History of Guam - The American Era

History of Guam - The American Era: Encyclopedia II - History of Guam - The American Era

History of Guam - Capture of Guam. On June 21, 1898, Guam was captured by the United States in the bloodless Battle of Guam during the Spanish-American War. By the Treaty of Paris, Spain officially ceded Guam to the United States. Since then, Guam served as a way station for American ships traveling to and from the Philippines. The 1910 Catholic Encyclopedia wrote, "Guam is 32 miles long, from 3 to 10 miles broad, and about 200 sq. miles in area. Of its total population of 11,490 (11,159 natives), Agana, t ...

History of Guam: Encyclopedia II - History of Guam - The American Era

History of Guam - The American Era

History of Guam - Capture of Guam

On June 21, 1898, Guam was captured by the United States in the bloodless Battle of Guam during the Spanish-American War. By the Treaty of Paris, Spain officially ceded Guam to the United States. Since then, Guam served as a way station for American ships traveling to and from the Philippines.

The 1910 Catholic Encyclopedia wrote, "Guam is 32 miles long, from 3 to 10 miles broad, and about 200 sq. miles in area. Of its total population of 11,490 (11,159 natives), Agana, the capital, contains about 7,000. Possessing a good harbour, the island serves as a United States naval station, the naval commandant acting also as governor. The products of the island are maize, copra, rice, sugar, and valuable timber."

History of Guam - World War II

During World War II, Guam was attacked and invaded by the Japanese armed forces shortly after December 7, 1941. Most U.S. military personnel evacuated prior to the invasion. The Japanese military occupation lasted from 1941 to 1944 and was a brutal experience for the Chamorro people, whose loyalty to the United States became a point of contention with the Japanese. Some American servicemen were still on the island and were hidden by the Chamorro people. The Battle of Guam started on July 21, 1944 with American troops landing on the island and Guam was recaptured from Japanese military rule on August 10 in an Allied victory.

History of Guam - Post World War II

After World War II, the U.S. military had a heavy hand in the running of the island. This eventually led to resentment, and political pressure for greater freedom for the island. The Organic Act of 1950 established Guam as an unincorporated organized territory of the United States and provided for the structure of the island's government. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, section 307, granted U.S. citizenship to Guam's population. In the 1960s, under President John F. Kennedy, the island's required security clearance for visitors was lifted. Over time, the people of Guam have gained more control over their island's government. Today, the island has an elected governor, legislature, and non-voting congressman.

The U.S. military installations on the island are some of the most strategically important bases in the Pacific Ocean. When Navy and Air Force bases in the Philippines were closed after the expiration of their leases, most of the forces stationed there were relocated to Guam.

After the removal of Guam's security clearance, a tourism industry developed. The island's economy was fueled by rapid growth in the industry during the 1980s and 1990s. The economic downturn in Japan and other factors have hurt Guam's tourism. Military cutbacks in the 1990s further disrupted the island's economy. Recently, proposals to increase the military presence on Guam including plans to station 7,000 marines on the island have contributed to hopes of an economic revival.