Guam Becomes Territory: Truman Signs Organic Act
The Guam Organic Act of 1950 made the island's residents U.S. citizens for the first time, established a civilian government with an elected legislature, and ended the U.S. Navy's 52-year administration of the territory. Guam's residents gained most constitutional protections but still cannot vote in presidential elections — a status that remains contested.
August 1, 1950
76 years ago
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