Palau Colonial Records

Spanish Colonization (1885-1899)
The Palau islands became part of the Spanish East Indies in 1885. They were sold to Germany in 1899 as part of the German-Spanish Treaty.

German Colonization (1899-1914)
Germany gained control of the Palau islands in 1899 from the Spanish. In 1914, control passed to Japan.

Japanese Colonization (1914-1944)
The Empire of Japan seized the Palau islands from Germany in 1914. During World War II, the United States took control in 1944.

United States Colonization (1944-1981)
The United States captured Palau from Japan in 1944. The Republic of Palau was established on 1 January 1981.