Simplify the following text for a Grade 9 native English-speaking person.
Original: The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were a British protectorate from 1892 and colony from 1916 until 1 January 1976 when the islands were divided into two different colonies which became independent nations shortly after .
Simplified: The Gilbert and Ellice Islands were a British protectorate from 1892 and colony from 1916 .