History of Guam

Guam was first discovered by sea-faring people who migrated from Southeast Indonesia a few thousand years ago. On March 6, 1521 Ferdinand Magellan came across Guam in his journey around the world. He and his crewmen were greeted by the Chamorros, the descendants of the ancient people of Guam. They may never have seen Europeans before, but they practiced trading with other sea-faring islanders and assumed these Europeans did the same. In small, fast and efficient vessels called "flying proas", they welcomed the Europeans with food and drink. According to Chamorro folk history, the Chamorros expected to be paid in return, such as with the iron that they saw on Magellan's ships. From the Europeans' point of view, they thought the islanders were a gentle and gracious people. When--having not been recompensed for the food and hospitality they had given--the Chamorros stole upon Magellan's ships and took iron for themselves, Magellan was angered and battled the Chamorros, leaving homes burned to the ground and people dead. He and his men left and continued their journey around the world.

In a matter of decades, Guam was colonized by Spain and for the next 400 years the island existed as such. It was an important stop for whaling ships and other industries. The original inhabitant population dwindled significantly as a result of disease and rebellion against the Spaniards. Still, a population of those who identified themselves as Chamorros remained, though the culture and bloodlines began to incorporate Spanish and other European religion, customs, and language.

As a result of the Spanish-American War, Guam was ceded to the US by Spain in 1898.

Guam was captured by the Japanese in 1941, and retaken by the US three years later. During World War II the Battle of Guam started on July 21, 1944 with an American troop landing and ended on August 10 in an Allied victory.

With the Organic Act of 1950, Chamorros were granted US citizenship.

The military installations on the island are some of the most strategically important US bases in the Pacific; when Navy and Air Force bases in the Philippines were closed after the expiration of lease of the US military bases in the Philippines; most of the forces stationed there were relocated to Guam.

See also : Guam