The
Spanish Administration did not have too much effect on the economy
of Micronesia. They were interested in colonizing the islanders,
and also making them Christians.
The
German trading companies, and others were involved in the trading
of beche-de-mer, turtle shells, copra and others, but not the
Spaniards. The traders were all over Micronesia; from Marshalls
in the east, Pohnpei, all the way to the west in Palau and Yap.
The
Spaniards first arrived in the Carolines in the 17th century,
when the Jesuit Priests first went to Palau and Yap. However,
those were unsuccessful attempts. In 1886, the Spaniards arrived
in the Western Carolines, Palau, and Yap. In the following year,
1887, they arrived in the Eastern Carolines; Pohnpei, Chuuk, and
Kosrae. The center was located in Pohnpei. During this time, king
of Spain was Alfonso XII (1874 - 86) and the Pope was Pius IX
(1846 - 78).
Below
the table of governors are some questions with answers about governors
in the Caroline Islands.
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When did the Spanish Administration
arrive in the Carolines?
The Spanish Administration arrived in 1886 in the Western Carolines,
Palau and Yap. In 1887 they arrived in Pohnpei and other Eastern Caroline
Islands. The other Eastern Caroline Islands includes, Kosrae and Chuuk,
but most of the activities were held in Pohnpei.
What types of people came during this initial
trip of colonization?
The first group included missionaries government leaders, and their
supporters. The Priests, Brothers, faithful church followers, Governors,
and their assistants were most of the people arrived.
Who was the first governor of the Eastern Carolines?
The first governor of the Eastern Carolines was Isidro Pocatello, who
came with his assistants, supporters in March of 1887. The Eastern Carolines
are made up of Pohnpei, Chuuk, and Kosrae.
Who was the first governor of the Western Carolines?
The first governor of the Western Carolines was Mariano Torres de Navarro.
The first governor, Mariano Torres de Navarro started his governorship
in June 29, 1886. The Western Carolines are islands of Palau, and Yap
in Micronesia
What was the name of the Colony of the Eastern Carolines?
"la colonia de Santiago de la Ascension", renamed by the Spaniards
after the Protestant missionaries named it "Kenan" (from the
biblical name Canaan).
Why were some of the governors' names appeared more than once in the
list?
Some of the governors ruled for one year, some ruled for less than a
year, and others ruled for a year, and then ruled again after another
one ruled. The more flexible governors tended to rule longer than the
ones that people did not like.
Which governor of the Eastern Carolines was assassinated?
Isidro Posadillo and his aides were killed by the Pohnpeian warriors.
Who ruled the Carolines before the Spanish Administration?
Magellan landed on Guam in 1521 and sailed on to the Philippines. Spain
took possession of the Caroline Islands in 1659. These islands were
settled by many types of people for many years. There were whalers,
beachcombers, traders, and missionaries.
About how many years from the time that Magellan
landed on Guam to the time the Spaniards arrived in the Western Carolines?
It took about three hundred and sixty-five years between the two events.
Spain did not do much activity in the islands until other competitive
countries were found establishing themselves in the area for trade and
religious purposes, that Spain began to act.
How long did the Spanish government
rule the Carolines?
The Spaniards arrived in 1886, and left in 1899. They arrived in the
Western Carolines in 1886, and in the Eastern Carolines in 1887 and
left in 1899 after the Spanish-American War.
Why did the Spaniards leave the Carolines or Micronesia?
The Spaniards left the Carolines or Micronesia, because they lost the
Spanish-American War.
What happened to the Carolines Islands as well as Micronesia after
Spain left?
Spain sold the Carolines and the Marianas to Germany for $4.2 million
dollars. This was equal to 25 million pesetas Spanish money. Marshall
Islands was already acquired by Germany through a separate agreement.
What other nations were trying to get hold of
Carolines and Micronesia then? What happened?
Germany was interested in copra trade in the Marshall Islands, and the
Caroline Islands. United States had some Missionaries working in the
Eastern Carolines about thirty years before the Spanish came to colonized
the islands. All of these caused conflicts among the nations, rumors
circled around that there might be a war among nations concerned.
Pope Leo XIII was chosen to be the arbiter for this incident. Finally
the settlement was arranged that, Spain was recognized for the sovereignty
over the Carolines, Germany was given the right to trade and right to
establish a coaling and naval station on the islands. The American demanded
that the Protestant missionaries continue their work under "liberty
of conscience and freedom of religious worship" as given to the
natives. This agreement was signed in December 17, 1885.
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