1887 - Formation of the Jaluit Company, a German entity entrusted with governance of the Marshalls. 1914 - The Marshalls are captured from Germany by Japan. Fortification of the Marshall Islands begins as Japan prepares for war. The islands of Mili, Jaluit, Maloelap, Wotje and Kwajalein are developed into bases, forming a north-south line of defense in the Marshalls. 1946 - U.S. begins its nuclear testing program in the Marshalls.
Bikini atoll is evacuated for first tests under Operation Crossroads.
1948 - U.S. expands its testing program to include Enewetak atoll. 1951 - US Department of the Interior assumes responsibility within US Government for the TTPI from the Department of the Navy. 1954 - US nuclear testing program detonates Bravo, the most powerful hydrogen bomb ever tested by the U.S., on Bikini atoll. Radiation from the test forces evacuation of Marshallese and U.S. Military personnel on Rongelap, Rongerik, Utirik and Ailinginae. 1957 - The last of those evacuated, the Rongelapese, are allowed to return to their island.