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Originally colonized by Spain for nearly four centuries, Guam was ceded to the United States in 1898 following the Spanish-American War. World War II brought challenges as the island was occupied by Japan until it was liberated by American forces in 1944. Since then, Guam has remained a U.S. territory, yet its residents face a unique situation: they are American citizens holding U.S. passports but do not have the right to vote in presidential elections. This legacy of colonialism and military significance continues to shape the island’s identity today.