ocr: Settled since before 1000 BC by Melanesian peoples, the Solomons became a British colony in 1893. 1900 Britain acquires northern solomons from Germany. Copra industry established. 1942 Uccupied byJapanese forces. 1943 Japan loses control to USA following fierce fighting. 1978 Independence from UK. 1986 Cyclone: massive damage.
