Spain sells the Mariana Islands (minus Guam) to Germany, 1899

Background. Following the Spanish-American War, Spain lost most of its colonies, retaining only sparsely populated Pacific islands. Germany lobbied the Spanish government to facilitate the sale of these remaining possessions. The resulting treaty transferred the Caroline Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany. Guam was excluded from this sale, having already been taken by the United States in 1898.

Transaction Details. The treaty was signed by Spanish Prime Minister Francisco Silvela on 12 February 1899. The specific sale of the Northern Marianas was priced at 837,500 German gold marks, approximately US$4,100,000 at the time. This price was part of a larger transaction involving 25 million pesetas for all remaining Pacific possessions, though the Marianas had a distinct valuation in historical records.

Administrative Implementation. Upon transfer, the Northern Mariana Islands were placed under the jurisdiction of German New Guinea. This administrative arrangement integrated the islands into the existing German colonial structure in the Pacific. The transfer occurred in 1899, following the formal signing of the treaty in February.

Legal Ratification. The sale was formalized through Spanish legal instruments. A royal decree in June 1899 authorized the government to present a bill to the Cortes for the cession of the islands. Subsequently, a law in late June authorized the transfer, and the treaty was executed in July 1899, confirming the cession of the Carolines, Palaos, and Marianas except Guam.