Spanish East Indies

The Spanish East Indies (Indias orientales españolas) were the Spanish territories in Asia-Pacific from 1565 until 1898. With the seat of government in Manila, they extended to the Philippine Islands, Guam and the Mariana Islands, the Caroline Islands (Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia), and for a period of time, Sabah, and parts of Formosa (Taiwan) and the Moluccas. From 1565 to 1821 these territories were part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain based in Mexico City, and after Mexican independence they were ruled directly from Madrid. Following the Spanish–American War in 1898, most of the islands were occupied by the United States while the remaining territories were sold to Germany during the German–Spanish Treaty of 1899. The King of Spain traditionally styled himself "King of the East and West Indies" (Rey de las Indias orientales y occidentales). Administrative affairs were handled by the Captaincy General of the Philippines and the Royal Audience of Manila.

Read more about Spanish East Indies:  Colonial Government, See Also

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