The Marianas Separated

How the Mariana Islands were Separated

When the US was a young country without much knowledge of colonialism, its Navy overwhelmed the Spanish and won the Spanish- American War in 1898. Soon after, America decided it wanted the Mariana Islands, as well as the Philippines and Puerto Rico.

Yet, knowing that Germany was interested in acquiring more tropical islands for their copra industry, and recognizing the German Kaiser’s need for prestige, President McKinley allowed Germany to make a deal with Spain over the Caroline Islands. When Germany discovered the US was willing to give up the Northern Marianas, they paid Spain some $4.2 million for both island groups. On February 6,1899, the Senate voted to ratify the Treaty of Peace, approving the transaction between the three nations.