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== Historical Overview ==
== Historical Overview ==
The islands of Palau were discovered by European sailors as early as the 16th century as part of a larger group of islands now know as the Carolinian archipelago.
Spanish sovereignty was established in 1885.
After losing the Spanish-American War in 1898, Palau, was sold to Germany the following year along with the other islands in the chain.
In 1914 during [[World War I]], Palau was taken over by the Japanese. It remained in Japanese control until it was captured and occupied by America in 1944 following Japan's loss during the battle of Peleliu in World War II.
In 1947 Palau became a UN Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and was placed under the protection of the U.S.
Palau adopted it's constitution in 1980 and became a self-governing republic in 1981.
On October 1st, 1994 Palau gained its independence and currently enjoys a [[Compact of Free Association]] with the United States - under the terms of which the United States is responsible for Palau's defense.
In 2005, Palau was given $12.8 million in foreign aid from the US<ref>http://www.britannica.com/eb/topic-129514/Compact-of-Free-Association Compact of Free Association (Oceanic-United States relations)</ref>
== Facts and Figures ==
== Facts and Figures ==
Japanese units with orders to inflict as many casualties as possible make it difficult to re-take the island. Several bloody battles ensue over over the next several weeks of the campaign.
Japanese units with orders to inflict as many casualties as possible make it difficult to re-take the island. Several bloody battles ensue over over the next several weeks of the campaign.
The battle for Peleliu lasts until October 12th, 1944 at noon, when U.S. Pacific Command declares the assault phase of the battle over, ordering the 81st Army Division to take over security for the area from the 1st Marine Division and begin mop-up and occupation operations.<ref>http://home.sprynet.com/~kier/peleliu.htm#Timeline Timeline of the Battle for Peleliu</ref>
The battle for Peleliu lasted until October 12th, 1944 at noon, when U.S. Pacific Command declared the assault phase of the battle over, ordering the 81st Army Division to take over security for the area from the 1st Marine Division and begin mop-up and occupation operations.<ref>http://home.sprynet.com/~kier/peleliu.htm#Timeline Timeline of the Battle for Peleliu</ref>
To this day, many of the remnants of [[World War 2]] in the form of destroyed tanks, hidden bunkers and sunken ships still remain in and around the islands of Palau. The sunken Japanese shipwrecks which are now home to marine life, are protected by the government of Palau and are a part of the natural underwater ecosystem. The wreckage is also a hotspot for diving enthusiasts so they can view it up close and personal.<ref>http://palaudive.com/Wrecks.htm Dive Palau</ref>
To this day, many of the remnants of [[World War 2]] in the form of destroyed tanks, hidden bunkers and sunken ships still remain in and around the islands of Palau. The sunken Japanese shipwrecks which are now home to marine life, are protected by the government of Palau and are a part of the natural underwater ecosystem. The wreckage is also a hotspot for diving enthusiasts so they can view it up close and personal.<ref>http://palaudive.com/Wrecks.htm Dive Palau</ref>
== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
CBS television reality show [[Survivor]] filmed it's tenth installment of the show among the islands of Palau. [[Tom Westman]] was declared the winner and sole survivor after spending 39 days in Palau. The artifacts and remnants of a once war torn nation as well as it's stunning beauty and native hospitality was used as the backdrop for the show.
CBS television reality show [[Survivor]] filmed it's tenth installment of the show among the islands of Palau. [[Tom Westman]] was declared the winner and sole survivor after spending 39 days in Palau. The artifacts and remnants of a once war torn nation as well as it's stunning beauty and native hospitality were used as the backdrop for the show.
== See also ==
== See also ==