The Northern Marianas began separate commonwealth talks, starting Micronesia’s political fragmentation.

What happened

The Marianas leaders sought a closer, permanent tie with the United States than the other districts wanted. The talks led to the Covenant creating the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, which Marianas voters approved in 1975 and President Ford signed in 1976.

Why it matters

It was the first break in the territory, followed by separate tracks for the Marshalls and Palau.