Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

The Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands was a grouping of Pacific islands administered by the United States from 1947 to the late 20th century, following World War II. It included former German and Japanese territories, such as the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Under U.S. supervision, these islands transitioned toward self-governance, with some becoming independent nations or U.S. territories. This arrangement aimed to prepare the islands for self-rule while managing strategic interests. The Trust Territory era ended as individual islands moved toward full sovereignty or continued association with the U.S. under different agreements.