Language/English/Culture/US-Outlying-Islands-Timeline
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Main Historical Dates - United States Outlying Islands
The United States Outlying Islands are a collection of small islands, atolls, and reefs scattered throughout the Pacific Ocean, with a history shaped by colonialism, World War II, and the challenges of isolation and limited resources. Here are the top 30 historical dates in the islands' history:
Date | Event |
---|---|
1856 | Baker Island is discovered by American Captain Elisha Folger, who names it after one of his crew members |
1859 | Howland Island is discovered by American Captain George Howland, who gives it his name |
1898 | The United States annexes the Hawaiian Islands, which include the islands of Midway and Palmyra Atoll |
1903 | The United States acquires the island of Wake, establishing a coaling and cable station on the island |
1916 | The United States acquires the islands of Baker, Howland, and Jarvis from the British Empire, which had previously claimed them as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony |
1941 | The islands of Wake, Midway, and Palmyra Atoll become strategic targets during World War II, with the United States establishing military bases and airfields on the islands |
1943 | The United States military launches an invasion of the island of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, leading to a bloody and brutal battle that results in thousands of casualties on both sides |
1945 | The United States drops atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II and leading to the surrender of Japan |
1959 | The islands of Baker, Howland, and Jarvis are transferred from the United States Navy to the United States Department of the Interior, becoming part of the Pacific Remote Islands National Wildlife Refuge |
1962 | The United States transfers control of the island of Canton to the government of the Phoenix Islands colony, which later becomes part of the nation of Kiribati |
1970s-1980s | The United States implements policies to promote conservation and protection of the islands' unique ecosystems and wildlife, including the establishment of marine reserves and the designation of protected areas on the islands |
1990s-2000s | The islands continue to face ongoing challenges related to environmental degradation, overfishing, and climate change, with efforts underway to address these issues and promote sustainable development and conservation in the region |
2000 | President Bill Clinton designates the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a marine national monument, creating one of the largest protected areas in the world |
2004 | President George W. Bush designates the islands of Baker, Howland, and Jarvis as a marine national monument, expanding the protections for the islands' unique ecosystems and wildlife |
2009 | President Barack Obama expands the protections for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, creating the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument and further safeguarding the islands' biodiversity and cultural heritage |
2014 | President Obama expands the protections for the islands of Baker, Howland, and Jarvis, renaming the monument as the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument and creating one of the largest marine protected areas in the world |
2016 | The United States continues to face ongoing challenges related to climate change, environmental conservation, and sustainable development in the islands |
2020 | The United States implements new policies and initiatives to address the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable development in the islands, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase investments in renewable energy and conservation programs |
2021 | The Biden administration announces plans to restore protections for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, reversing a decision made by the Trump administration to open up the forest for logging and other commercial activities |
2022 | The United States continues to work with its allies and partners in the Pacific to address shared challenges and promote cooperation and development in the region, including efforts to address climate change, promote sustainable growth, and ensure regional security and stability |
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