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History
Formerly a British protectorate from 1892 partly to outlaw
slave trade to Central America.
An island Republic including the Gilbert Islands, most of
the Line Islands and Phoenix Islands. Also Banaba (Ocean Island).
These islands were settled by Austronesians before the first
millennium AD. Some Fijians and Tongans arrived in 14th century
but they have merged with pre-existing population.
Spaniards may have seen the islands in the 16th century. They
were visited by the British in 1765, and 1788. The area became
an important Sperm whaling fishery during early 19th century
until 1870s. The first European settler arrived in 1837; the
first missionary in 1857. They were made a British Protectorate
in 1892. Banaba was annexed to produce phosphate in 1900. In
1916 they were made a crown colony. Phoenix islands were added
in 1937 (after disputes with the US). Christmas Island (Kiritimati)
was added 1919.
The Japanese occupied the islands from 1942-45. The extremely
fierce Battle of Tarawa was fought in 1943 to drive the Japanese
out.
In 1972 the Line Islands were added to the colony. In 1976
the Ellice islands separated to become Tuvalu. Independence came
in 1979.
The islands are famous for the Book "A Pattern of Islands"
by Sir Arthur Grimble, a former Governor of the Gilbert and Ellice
islands Colony about his experiences in the early colonial period. He is especially interesting on the rituals associated with Dolphins.
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