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List of countries formerly ruled by the United States

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The United States, throughout its history, has had political, military, and administrative control over various regions and countries across the world. These territories were often acquired through war, treaties, or other diplomatic means.

List of occupied territories

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The following is a list of countries that were once under the rule or administration of the United States, either through direct control or as protectorates and trusteeships:

Name of territory Dates Status Comments
The Philippines 1898–1946 Unincorporated territory First under military administration, later under an insular government in preparation for independence[1]
Cuba 1898–1902 Provisional military government Under military administration after Spain ceded Cuba to the United States[2]
Puerto Rico 1898–Present Unincorporated territory Initially under military governance, later establishing civilian government under the Foraker Act[3]
Panama Canal Zone 1903–1979 Concession of the United States in Panama First administered under the Isthmian Canal Commission, but later governorship was awarded for the Panama Canal Zone[4]
Haiti 1915–1934 Military occupation Occupied for the financial interests of the United States in the stabilization of Haiti, apart of the Banana Wars[5]
Dominican Republic 1916–1924 Provisional military government Occupied for the sake of debt repayment to European creditors[6]
Nicaragua 1912–1933 Military occupation Occupied for the financial interests of the United States, moreso the prevention of the construction of the Nicaragua Canal, apart of the Banana Wars[7]
Japan (Mainland) 1945–1952 Military occupation Occupied after the end of World War II until the Treaty of San Francisco[8]
Japan (Ryukyu Island) 1950–1972 Military occupation Occupied after the end of World War II until the Okinawa Reversion Agreement[9]
South Korea 1945–1948 Provisional military government Occupied in response to the Soviet Civil Administration[10]
Marshall Islands (TTPI) 1947–1994 United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration Under U.S. administration in enforcement of UNSC 21[11]
Palau (TTPI) 1947–1994 United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration Under U.S. administration in enforcement of UNSC 21[12]
Micronesia (TTPI) 1947–1994 United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration Under U.S. administration in enforcement of UNSC 21[13]
Germany 1945–1955 Military occupation Occupied in enforcement of the Potsdam Agreement, agreed upon after the end of World War II[14][15]
Austria 1945–1955 Military occupation Occupied in enforcement of the Moscow Conference, agreed upon after the end of World War II[16]
Iraq 2003–2011 Provisional military government Occupied after the 2003 invasion of Iraq in the midst of Iraq's transition from Saddam Hussein's government[17]
  1. ^ "In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines - Karnow, Stanley: 9780394549750 - AbeBooks". www.abebooks.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  2. ^ Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs (2007-06-15). "The United States, Cuba, and the Platt Amendment, 1901". 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  3. ^ "Message to Congress on Self-Government for Puerto Rico. | The American Presidency Project". www.presidency.ucsb.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  4. ^ "U.S. agrees to transfer Panama Canal to Panama | September 7, 1977". HISTORY. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  5. ^ Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs (2007-07-13). "U.S. Invasion and Occupation of Haiti, 1915-34". 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  6. ^ "Dominican Resistance to US Occupation 1917-1921". onwar.com. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  7. ^ Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs (2008-08-19). "U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua, 1911/1912". 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  8. ^ "Asia for Educators | Columbia University". afe.easia.columbia.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  9. ^ "Okinawa Reversion Agreement - 1971". ryukyu-okinawa.net. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  10. ^ Choi, Sam (1983-05-06). "The American Military Government in Korea 1945-1948 : The Political Vortex". Master's Theses. doi:10.58809/OKUO4005.
  11. ^ "S/RES/21(1947)". undocs.org. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  12. ^ "S/RES/21(1947)". undocs.org. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  13. ^ "S/RES/21(1947)". undocs.org. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  14. ^ "Cornerstone of Steel - TIME". 2007-11-01. Archived from the original on 2007-11-01. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  15. ^ "Potsdam Conference: Definition, Importance & Date". HISTORY. 2024-05-06. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  16. ^ "The Moscow Conference, October 1943". avalon.law.yale.edu. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  17. ^ "Timeline: The Iraq War". www.cfr.org. Retrieved 2024-10-31.