The colonial history of Belize is interconnected to the countries economy and political past. During the 1600’s Spain and other European nations struggled for power in the New World. In 1670, the Godolphin Treaty between Spain and England verified English possession of countries that were already occupied by England. Boundaries were unclear and there continued to be disputes. In 1779 the Spanish forced the British to leave the area, however, the Spanish never settled in the region and the British always returned to expand their trade and settlement. The disagreements between the European nations greatly affected the established Mayan and Garifuna people. The interaction between these four culturally diverse peoples has developed in to Belizean culture and relations. In the Mid 1800’s there were power struggles between planters and superintendents, which eventually led to the settlement of Belize in the Bay of Honduras to be declared a British colony called British Honduras. The area became a crown colony under which Britain retained control over defense, foreign affairs, internal security, various administrative and budget matters, and internally governed by a British-appointed governor and a locally elected assembly. Throughout the 1600 – 1800’s time the forestry industry was an important economic resource. The forestry industry's control of land and influence in colonial decision making held back the development of agriculture and the diversification of the economy. The industry continued to stifle agriculture and kept much of the population dependent on imported foods. Mahogany and logwood were the main types of timber being harvested. The forestry industry held the concentration of wealth which meant that the colony's economy was determined in London. Workers in mahogany camps were treated like slaves. Labor conditions included workers receiving rations of inferior flour, mess pork and tickets to be exchanged at the commissaries, instead of cash wages. Due to these conditions, workers and their families suffered from malnutrition and were continually in debt to their employers. The poor responded with a series of demonstrations, strikes, petitions, and riots that marked the beginning of modern politics and the independence movement. It was the beginning of a long campaign to gain an elected legislature that led to internal self-rule in 1964. The People's United Party (PUP) lead the campaign and have essentially defined the nationalist agenda in Belize. The PUP, with leader George Price, has won all but one national election in Belize since 1954. Belize had close, friendly relations with the United States, which was a leading trading partner and principal source of foreign investment and economic assistance. In the anticipation of independence the colony's name was changed to Belize in1973. Belizean independence was officially gained on September 21, 1981.
Belize’s colonial and political histories are strongly tied to the countries economy. Under colonial administration, the economy was centered on a succession of single raw commodities--logwood at first then mahogany in the 1800s, and finally sugar in the mid-1900s. Belize’ economy is now more diverse with areas in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture is dominated by three crops--sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. Sugar refining and garment industries lead the manufacturing area. One reason for the economic diversification was an adjustment program implemented by the government. Belize has also been a recipient of foreign aid. In 1983, the United States Agency for International Development opened an office in Belize and in the following 7 years Belize received $94 million in development assistance. In 1990 Belize had a debt of 158 million. Two Belizean dollars are worth one US dollar. Belize’s total GDP was about 2 billion in 2005 ranking them 163rd in the world. Overpopulation does not seem to be an economic problem in Belize; it is one of the least densely populated countries in the Americas. The rate of annual growth was estimated at 3 % in the 1980s, and averaged 8.5 persons per square kilometer in 1991.
Belize’s colonial and political histories are strongly tied to the countries economy. Under colonial administration, the economy was centered on a succession of single raw commodities--logwood at first then mahogany in the 1800s, and finally sugar in the mid-1900s. Belize’ economy is now more diverse with areas in agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Agriculture is dominated by three crops--sugar, citrus fruits, and bananas. Sugar refining and garment industries lead the manufacturing area. One reason for the economic diversification was an adjustment program implemented by the government. Belize has also been a recipient of foreign aid. In 1983, the United States Agency for International Development opened an office in Belize and in the following 7 years Belize received $94 million in development assistance. In 1990 Belize had a debt of 158 million. Two Belizean dollars are worth one US dollar. Belize’s total GDP was about 2 billion in 2005 ranking them 163rd in the world. Overpopulation does not seem to be an economic problem in Belize; it is one of the least densely populated countries in the Americas. The rate of annual growth was estimated at 3 % in the 1980s, and averaged 8.5 persons per square kilometer in 1991.
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