History

earliest known inhabitants were Maya, thriving civilisation (250-900 AD) which reached its peak in about 8th century, and subsequently migrated to Yucatan. Mayans cultivated most of arable land in country and built cities and ceremonial centres out of limestone (around dozen major sites are open to public). By time Spanish arrived, however, civilisation had declined locally, and most of remaining Mayans were sent to Guatemala or died of introduced diseases. In 17th century British settlers arrived and established community to cut logwood to meet demand for mahogany in England, bringing in African slaves by end of 18th century. Attempts by Spanish to dislodge Baymen (as woodcutters were called) failed, but settlers asked England for help. In 1765 Admiral Sir William Burnaby arrived with fleet from Jamaica and without recourse to violence established constitution known as Burnaby's Code and Public Meeting, law-making body. Friction continued, however, until 1798, when Spanish were definitively defeated at battle of St George's Caye.

In 1847 Mayans in neighbouring Mexico rebelled against Spanish rule and refugees (Mayans, Mestizos and even few Spaniards) made their way into Belize, migration that set up new tensions. In attempt to resolve situation, settlement, at its own request, became British colony (linked with Jamaica) in 1862 and country took name of British Honduras. It became Crown Colony in 1870. In 1884 it was detached from Jamaica. Burnaby's Code and Public Meeting were abolished in 1840 and 1853 respectively.

Economic recession followed. Mahogany prices slumped in 1870s and sugar (introduced by immigrants from Mexico) in 1880s. Upturn in early 20th century was short-lived and poverty continued between world wars.

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Source: Copyright © The Commonwealth Yearbook 1996
Many thanks to Mr Peter Emmett (peter.emmett@hcooke.co.uk) for allowing us to use excerpts from the Commonwealth Yearbook.
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