BRIEF BELIZE HISTORY
Numerous ruins indicate that for hundreds of years, Belize was heavily populated by around one million Maya, whose relatively advanced civilization reached its height between AD 250 and 900. Today a small population still exists in Belize, predominately in Toledo, the southern most district.
The first reference to European settlement came in 1638, when British logwood cutters (known as Baymen), became some of the first Europeans to settle in this area. Because logging is labor intensive, the Baymen became dependent on slave labor, (received from Africa), to keep their operations going. Logwood also produced purple and red dyes, used by many of those in upper class lifestyles.
These early settlers and settlements were subject to attacks from neighboring Spanish settlements for the next 50 years. It was not until 1763 that Spain, in the Treaty of Paris, allowed British settlers to engage in the logwood industry. However, Spanish attacks continued until a decisive victory was won in 1798 by settlers, with British naval support. This battle is known down to this day as St. George's Caye Day. Following this victory, British control over the various settlements gradually increased.
Constitutional advances came in 1834 with the emancipation of slaves. In 1871 British Honduras was formally declared a British Colony and the Crown Colony System of Government was implemented.
In 1954 came the introduction of Universal Adult Suffrage and an elected majority of the legislature. The ministerial System was adopted in 1961, leading to Self Government in 1964. This lead to the country changing its name in 1973, from British Honduras to Belize. Belize achieved full independence from British rule on September 21, 1981.
Belize is now a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, OAS and the Association of Caribbean States.
The first reference to European settlement came in 1638, when British logwood cutters (known as Baymen), became some of the first Europeans to settle in this area. Because logging is labor intensive, the Baymen became dependent on slave labor, (received from Africa), to keep their operations going. Logwood also produced purple and red dyes, used by many of those in upper class lifestyles.
These early settlers and settlements were subject to attacks from neighboring Spanish settlements for the next 50 years. It was not until 1763 that Spain, in the Treaty of Paris, allowed British settlers to engage in the logwood industry. However, Spanish attacks continued until a decisive victory was won in 1798 by settlers, with British naval support. This battle is known down to this day as St. George's Caye Day. Following this victory, British control over the various settlements gradually increased.
Constitutional advances came in 1834 with the emancipation of slaves. In 1871 British Honduras was formally declared a British Colony and the Crown Colony System of Government was implemented.
In 1954 came the introduction of Universal Adult Suffrage and an elected majority of the legislature. The ministerial System was adopted in 1961, leading to Self Government in 1964. This lead to the country changing its name in 1973, from British Honduras to Belize. Belize achieved full independence from British rule on September 21, 1981.
Belize is now a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, OAS and the Association of Caribbean States.
BELIZE HISTORY TIME LINE
THE ANCIENT MAYA
2000 BC - Earliest remains of fixed Maya settlements found in Belize
600 BC - First major evidence of the Maya in Belize
500 BC - First monumental Maya buildings at sites like Tikal and Dzibilchaltun; style influenced by the Olmec culture of the north.
300 BC - Lzapa-type pottery and hieroglyphs first appear. Beginning of the Classic Period when the most important ceremonial centers were built.
AD 100 - Cities of El Mirador and Cerros founded.
AD 700 - Maya civilization at its peak, spreading through southern Mexico, Guatemala
AD 900 - Decline of the Maya, cultural achievements are reduced to the Formative Period before AD 250. Other influences begin to be felt.
AD 1000 - New civilizations compete for dominance in Central America (still including some Maya).
AD 1250 - Mayapan is an important trading center and the center of influence in the Yucatan Peninsula. Trading thought to have been taken place between the Maya in Belize and the Yucatan.
AD 1440 - Maya in decline again, concentrated only in small pockets of influence.
600 BC - First major evidence of the Maya in Belize
500 BC - First monumental Maya buildings at sites like Tikal and Dzibilchaltun; style influenced by the Olmec culture of the north.
300 BC - Lzapa-type pottery and hieroglyphs first appear. Beginning of the Classic Period when the most important ceremonial centers were built.
AD 100 - Cities of El Mirador and Cerros founded.
AD 700 - Maya civilization at its peak, spreading through southern Mexico, Guatemala
AD 900 - Decline of the Maya, cultural achievements are reduced to the Formative Period before AD 250. Other influences begin to be felt.
AD 1000 - New civilizations compete for dominance in Central America (still including some Maya).
AD 1250 - Mayapan is an important trading center and the center of influence in the Yucatan Peninsula. Trading thought to have been taken place between the Maya in Belize and the Yucatan.
AD 1440 - Maya in decline again, concentrated only in small pockets of influence.
THE SPANISH CONQUEST
AD 1512 - Two Spaniards arrive in the Yucatan following shipwreck. First European contact with the Maya world.
AD 1519 - Spanish conquest of Mexico begins. First Mass held in Mexico.
AD 1520 - Smallpox, hookworm and malaria brought from Europe by conquerors begins to spread through remaining Maya communities. Spanish influence is felt throughout Central America.
AD 1523 - Defeat of the Quiche and other Maya aremies in Guatemala by Pedro de Alvarado.
AD 1562 - Maya re persecuted by Friar Diego de Landa who orders burning of Maya books and sculptures.
AD 1519 - Spanish conquest of Mexico begins. First Mass held in Mexico.
AD 1520 - Smallpox, hookworm and malaria brought from Europe by conquerors begins to spread through remaining Maya communities. Spanish influence is felt throughout Central America.
AD 1523 - Defeat of the Quiche and other Maya aremies in Guatemala by Pedro de Alvarado.
AD 1562 - Maya re persecuted by Friar Diego de Landa who orders burning of Maya books and sculptures.
ARRIVAL OF THE BRITISH
AD 1600 - Settlement of the first "Baymen" around the mouth of the Belize River. Trade in logwood for dyes.
AD 1634 - Captain Peter Wallace, is believed to be named - sails into Belize Harbour.
AD 1638 - The territory of BElize is founded by a group of British seamen, who name their settlement St. George's Caye.
AD 1670 - Treaty between Britain and Spain to end piracy in the Caribbean.
AD 1697 - Conquest of the Itza on an island in Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala - the last Maya stronghold in Central America.
AD 1700 - Start of mahogany trade, which brings the first influx of black slaves from Jamaica to Belize.
AD 1634 - Captain Peter Wallace, is believed to be named - sails into Belize Harbour.
AD 1638 - The territory of BElize is founded by a group of British seamen, who name their settlement St. George's Caye.
AD 1670 - Treaty between Britain and Spain to end piracy in the Caribbean.
AD 1697 - Conquest of the Itza on an island in Lake Peten Itza, Guatemala - the last Maya stronghold in Central America.
AD 1700 - Start of mahogany trade, which brings the first influx of black slaves from Jamaica to Belize.
THE MAKING OF BRITISH HONDURAS
AD 1765 - "Burnaby's Code" drawn up as first constitution for territory to be known as British Honduras.
AD 1779 - Spanish force burns down St. George's Caye and Belize Town.
AD 1787 - First British-appointed administrator arrives in British Honduras.
AD 1789 - Garifuna people arrive in Belize after being deported from the island of St. Vincent.
AD 1798 - Defeat of Spanish fleet in the Battle of St. George's Caye establishes British rule more firmly.
AD 1802 - Spain acknowledges British sovereignty in Belize at the Treaty of Amiens.
AD 1820 - British start extracting large amounts of mahogany from Belizean forests.
AD 1821 - Mexico and Central American nations win independence from Spain. El Salvador and Honduras form Central American Federation and try to claim Belize. British settlers occupy three times the amount of land awarded in Treaty of Amiens.
AD 1823 - Central America leaders agree to abolish slavery at a time when slaves constitue a large part of the workforce in Belize.
AD 1826-1829 - War culminating in the break-up of the United Provinces of Central America.
AD 1847 - The Ware of the Castes in Yucatan, a Mayan revolt lasting over 50 years. Many Maya flee to Belize.
AD 1859 - Convention between United Kingdom and Guatemala recognizes boundaries of British Honduras - something that has been disputed by Guatemalan governments ever since.
AD 1779 - Spanish force burns down St. George's Caye and Belize Town.
AD 1787 - First British-appointed administrator arrives in British Honduras.
AD 1789 - Garifuna people arrive in Belize after being deported from the island of St. Vincent.
AD 1798 - Defeat of Spanish fleet in the Battle of St. George's Caye establishes British rule more firmly.
AD 1802 - Spain acknowledges British sovereignty in Belize at the Treaty of Amiens.
AD 1820 - British start extracting large amounts of mahogany from Belizean forests.
AD 1821 - Mexico and Central American nations win independence from Spain. El Salvador and Honduras form Central American Federation and try to claim Belize. British settlers occupy three times the amount of land awarded in Treaty of Amiens.
AD 1823 - Central America leaders agree to abolish slavery at a time when slaves constitue a large part of the workforce in Belize.
AD 1826-1829 - War culminating in the break-up of the United Provinces of Central America.
AD 1847 - The Ware of the Castes in Yucatan, a Mayan revolt lasting over 50 years. Many Maya flee to Belize.
AD 1859 - Convention between United Kingdom and Guatemala recognizes boundaries of British Honduras - something that has been disputed by Guatemalan governments ever since.
THE BRITISH COLONY
AD 1862 - British Honduras is officially declared a British colony.
AD 1866-1870 - Influx of Confederate supporters from souther US found town of New Richmond.
AD 1871 - Belize becomes a brown colony of the British Empire, ruled by a governor and legislative council appointed by the British Government.
AD 1893 - Mexico renounces its claim to British Honduras and signs a peace treaty. Guatemala still claims sovereignty.
AD 1910 - Start of Mexican Revolution which results in the overthrow of dictator Porfrio Diaz.
AD 1919 - Riots started by black Belizean soliders over their bad treatment during World War I. Belize City is looted by 3,000 people including police.
AD 1926 - Death of Baron Bliss, benefactor of Belize.
AD 1931-1935 - First written account of the colony's history, Archives of British Honduras, is compiled.
AD 1866-1870 - Influx of Confederate supporters from souther US found town of New Richmond.
AD 1871 - Belize becomes a brown colony of the British Empire, ruled by a governor and legislative council appointed by the British Government.
AD 1893 - Mexico renounces its claim to British Honduras and signs a peace treaty. Guatemala still claims sovereignty.
AD 1910 - Start of Mexican Revolution which results in the overthrow of dictator Porfrio Diaz.
AD 1919 - Riots started by black Belizean soliders over their bad treatment during World War I. Belize City is looted by 3,000 people including police.
AD 1926 - Death of Baron Bliss, benefactor of Belize.
AD 1931-1935 - First written account of the colony's history, Archives of British Honduras, is compiled.
GROWTH OF PEOPLE'S POLITICS
AD 1939 - "Natives First" movement wins seats on Belize Town Board.
AD 1941 - Belizean Labour Party is set up.
AD 1950 - People's United Party (PUP) is founded.
AD 1952 - Radio Belize, the nation's first radio station begins transmission
AD 1954 - Universal adult suffrage is introduced.
AD 1958 - Arrival of first members of Mennonite community from Mexico.
AD 1961 - Hurricane Hattie hits Belize's eastern shoreline, destroying most of the buildings in Belize City.
AD 1964 - Self-government grated to Belize. George Price is First Minister in the new system.
AD 1970 - New administrative capital of Belmopan is officially inaugurated.
AD 1980 - United Nations passes unanimous resolution, calling for the independence of Belize.
AD 1941 - Belizean Labour Party is set up.
AD 1950 - People's United Party (PUP) is founded.
AD 1952 - Radio Belize, the nation's first radio station begins transmission
AD 1954 - Universal adult suffrage is introduced.
AD 1958 - Arrival of first members of Mennonite community from Mexico.
AD 1961 - Hurricane Hattie hits Belize's eastern shoreline, destroying most of the buildings in Belize City.
AD 1964 - Self-government grated to Belize. George Price is First Minister in the new system.
AD 1970 - New administrative capital of Belmopan is officially inaugurated.
AD 1980 - United Nations passes unanimous resolution, calling for the independence of Belize.
INDEPENDENT BELIZE
AD 1981 - British Honduras becomes independent and is officially renamed Belize.
AD 1984 - United Democratic Party (UDP) wins general election for the first time.
AD 1991 - Guatemala recognizes the self-determination of the people of Belize in return for Caribbean coastal waters. Belize becomes a full member of the Organization of American States (OAS).
AD 1992 - Guatemalan Congress ratifies its decision to recognize Belize.
AD 1993 - Final British garrison leaves.
AD 1995 - Maya groups protest sale of land in Southern Columbia Forest Reserve to logging companies.
AD 1998 - People's United Party (PUP) return to power in a victory that gives them all but three seats.
AD 1999 - Guatemalan Congress restates its claim to Belizean territory.
AD 2002 - Proposal to settle border dispute with Guatemala subject to a referendum in both countries.
AD 2003 - People's United Party (PUP) win an unprecedented second term.
AD 1984 - United Democratic Party (UDP) wins general election for the first time.
AD 1991 - Guatemala recognizes the self-determination of the people of Belize in return for Caribbean coastal waters. Belize becomes a full member of the Organization of American States (OAS).
AD 1992 - Guatemalan Congress ratifies its decision to recognize Belize.
AD 1993 - Final British garrison leaves.
AD 1995 - Maya groups protest sale of land in Southern Columbia Forest Reserve to logging companies.
AD 1998 - People's United Party (PUP) return to power in a victory that gives them all but three seats.
AD 1999 - Guatemalan Congress restates its claim to Belizean territory.
AD 2002 - Proposal to settle border dispute with Guatemala subject to a referendum in both countries.
AD 2003 - People's United Party (PUP) win an unprecedented second term.
