Yap History
The Yapese people had good relationships with other island groups in surrounding areas prior to European contact. Europeans entered as early as 1526 and the Yapese would then travel to other islands with European company. This allowed diseases to travel from the Europeans to island groups in Guam, resulting in devastating epidemics.
Yap was officially colonized by Spain and Germany in 1885. Germany ruled the land and Spain officiated the religion on the island.
Japan seized the island in 1914, ending the German reign. They did little to help the Yap Island, but because of WWII, they learned the Japanese language and culture and the most talented students were sent to Palau to study agriculture, nursing, mechanics, and carpentry.
In 1944, the US bombed Yap and at the end of WWII, the US set up a occupational government there that lasted until 1951. The US set up the United States Trust Territory of the Pacific and Yap was one of 6 districts in it. The US emphasized education and political development during this time on the island.
In 1959, the island established the foundation of the Yap State. This was formally organized in 1978. By 1980 Yap had full control over the state and local governments. Yap is now part of the Federated States of Micronesia
Yap was officially colonized by Spain and Germany in 1885. Germany ruled the land and Spain officiated the religion on the island.
Japan seized the island in 1914, ending the German reign. They did little to help the Yap Island, but because of WWII, they learned the Japanese language and culture and the most talented students were sent to Palau to study agriculture, nursing, mechanics, and carpentry.
In 1944, the US bombed Yap and at the end of WWII, the US set up a occupational government there that lasted until 1951. The US set up the United States Trust Territory of the Pacific and Yap was one of 6 districts in it. The US emphasized education and political development during this time on the island.
In 1959, the island established the foundation of the Yap State. This was formally organized in 1978. By 1980 Yap had full control over the state and local governments. Yap is now part of the Federated States of Micronesia