Dean Ellis (1920 - 2009) "History of the Marshall Islands Japan - Seizes Islands from Germany WWI" Titled lower margin. Original Oil Painting on Masonite. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting published on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 55c Marshall Islands Seized by Japan, 1914 stamp issued May 2, 1996. Although the Marshall Islands were officially recognized as an Imperial German Protectorate in 1885, Japanese traders and business interests continued to make significant inroads in the region. Politically, Japan had long been interested in establishing predominance over the Marshalls and its opportunity came in August 1914 with the outbreak of World War I. Entering the war on the side of the Allies, Japan quickly sent troops to subdue German forces and occupy the islands. The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 affirmed this occupation and the Marshall Islands were assigned to Japan under a League of Nations mandate. Japan soon incorporated the area into its empire, removing all but a few Westerners and eliminating foreign commerce. It was the dawn of a dark era for the Marshall Islands as they were gradually converted into a supply source fueling Japanese aggression. Image Size: 11.5 x 15 in. Overall Size: 14 x 16 in. Unframed. (B15303)