Answer:
Yes, Aruba once was a protectorate. A protectorate is a territory that's protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger country. From May 11, 1940 to January 16, 1942 Aruba was a British protectorate. From January 16, 1942 until the end of World War II in 1945 Aruba was a U.S. protectorate.