History of Belize

An ancient country, Belize is a country that has a rich tradition dating back to thousands of years. An amalgamation of many tribes and tribes, Belize is a tiny country that was ruled by that mighty Mayan Civilization during 16th Century BC and 400 AD. With rich customs and practices, Belize has leading the region with some rich traditions and customs.

Before the advent of the Europeans, this area was considered as a classic area, with a much denser population and a high degree of social structure. Recent excavations have indicated that Belize had heavy influences of Mayan culture before European came to the area. The first formal European contact began in the year 1502, when the great Columbus sailed past the shore, who did not land there. However the first formal contact happened during 1511, when European landed on the Belizean shores. Ship wrecked Spanish sailors accidentally landed on the northern shores of Belize. Most of the ship wrecked Spanish people were either sacrificed to the Gods or were taken as slaves. One of the sailors converted himself as a Belizean and married a local girl. He was responsible for the first mixed Amerindian-European ethnicity.

The first real European settlement was established in the year 1670 when the mainland European travelers were attracted towards the large stands of logwood, a valuable tree whose sapwood was widely used in Europe to dye clothing. In the early 17th century, mahogany also became a valuable export. However the next two centuries were marked by increased settlements and rampant local conflicts. British people arrived at the scene when the Spanish aristocracy handed over the logging rights to them, though they were not allowed to create any settlements. In the year 1798, there was a bitter war between the British and the Spanish for exclusive rights over the area. Eventually, the Spanish army withdrew from the war during 1799. This is known as The Battle of St. George's Caye, and is celebrated as a national holiday each September 10.

Though the crown rule was established in the late 18th century, Belize was not formally termed the Colony of British Honduras until 1840. It became a Crown Colony only in 1862. In the intervening years of 20th century, many constitutional changes were enforced to expand the local government. A complete internal self-government under a ministerial cabinet system was allowed in January 1964. The official name of the territory was changed from British Honduras to Belize in June 1973. Granting independence to this country was delayed for sometime because, Guatemala was insisting that this country was their territory.

Finally the United Kingdom agreed to defend Belize from invasion, if necessary after independence; this agreement led to full official independence granted on September 21, 1981. Belize City is the capital city of Belize and is made of two small towns. Though the whole region is prone to ravages of nature, this country has managed to face all these calamities.