Spanish-British Rivalry

What was the main conflict between the British and Spanish in Belize?

Ownership of Belize—Spain claimed sovereignty, while British settlers occupied it illegally to cut logwood and mahogany.

Why did the Spanish consider the Bay of Honduras as their territory?

According to the Godolphin Treaty, all de facto settlements were legally owned by the Spanish crown and de jure for Britain... Spanish attacks targeted what they saw as encroachment (intrusion on a person's territory, rights, etc.)

What is meant by de facto settlements?

physical settlements established by the British Baymen, which were a reality on the ground. in fact, whether by right or not.

What is meant by de jure settlements?

the territory's de jure (legal or rightful) ownership was still strongly asserted by the Spanish crown. according to rightful entitlement or claim; by right.

Why did the Baymen keep returning to Belize/Bay after Spanish attacks?

• Considered home and economically valuable.

• Settlers’ presence gave Britain a foothold in Spanish territory.

Why did Britain not heavily invest in defending Belize?

Britain valued other colonies like Jamaica and Barbados for sugar; Belize was less profitable in comparison. 

How did European wars influence the situation in Belize?

Wars between Britain, France, and Spain (e.g., French Revolution, 1796 war) led to attacks on settlements and temporary suspension of hostilities, like after the Treaty of Amiens in 1802

Where did British loggers escape during Spanish attacks?

To the Bay Islands:

• Roatan: Largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, British colony (colonized in 1700s)

• Mosquito Shores: British protectorate off Nicaragua

Difference between a colony and a protectorate?

• Colony: governed entirely by a foreign power; locals have no control/authority (economic, political, social affairs).

• Protectorate: defended by a foreign power; may retain some local authority.

How did the status of the Bay Islands affect Spanish attacks?

Spanish could not fully eliminate British presence because the islands were protected by Britain, providing a safe refuge for settlers.

What is usufruct?

The right to enjoy the use and advantages of another's property without destroying or wasting its substance.

What were the three main usufruct treaties?

1. Treaty of Paris (1763)
2. Treaty of Versailles (1783)
3. Convention of London (1786)

Political significance of the usufruct treaties?

Acknowledged Spanish sovereignty over Belize while allowing settlers limited rights to cut and export timber.

Why were the usufruct treaties ultimately insignificant today? (In terms of Belize territory dispute)

They were replaced and superseded by the Anglo-Guatemalan Treaty and later official British colonization.

Key provisions of the Treaty of Paris (1763) regarding Belize?

• Settlers could cut, load, and ship logwood.

• No boundaries were defined → unrestricted logging.

• Treaty vague; disputes continued.

How did the Treaty of Paris fail to prevent conflict?

• This was so because mahogany was on the rise and logwood was at its decline (1775) → cutting both uncontrollably.

• Considering that Mahogany was grown inland and scattered the Spaniards in the Yucatan were fearful of British expansion in the Yucatan, thus they launched another attack in 1779 of which was a success.

Settlers ignored boundaries (none were specified), angering Spain, which led to the 1779 Spanish attack.

Outcome of the 1779 Spanish attack?

• 101 whites, 40 free coloreds, 250 slaves captured

• Prisoners marched on foot to Merida, Mexico then shipped to Havana, Cuba.

• Settlement activities paused from 1779–1783 (hiatus).

Key provisions of the Treaty of Versailles (1783)?

• Allowed the return of 101 whites and escaped slaves.

• Settlers could cut, load, and ship logwood only.

• Boundaries: Rio Hondo → Belize River.

• Could not occupy cayes; no fortifications, plantations, or hunting certain animals.

• St. George’s Caye served as residential capital for Baymen.

How did settlers respond to the Treaty of Versailles?

Many disregarded its restrictions, continuing illegal or unrestricted logging.

Key provisions of the Convention of London (1786)?

• Settlers could cut, load, and ship logwood and mahogany.

• Boundaries: Rio Hondo → Sibun River.

• Allowed to occupy only St. George’s Caye.

• Mosquito Shores ceded to Spain → British settlers and slaves relocated to Belize (population grew from 500 → 2000).

Who was the first superintendent sent to enforce the 1786 treaty?

Marcus Despard, sent by the British crown.

Why was there tension between superintendents and magistrates?

Superintendents enforced treaty restrictions; magistrates often sided with settlers who ignored them. 

What role did St. George’s Caye play in settlement?

It was the first residential area and capital for Baymen, central to treaty enforcement and defense.

How did economic changes influence settlement patterns?

As logwood declined and mahogany became valuable, settlers expanded inland → Spanish feared British territorial expansion.

When was Belize officially colonized by Britain?

1862, nearly 200 years after initial British settlement.

How did wars in Europe affect Belize?

Conflicts between Britain, France, and Spain led to attacks on settlements; treaties like the Treaty of Amiens (1802) temporarily suspended hostilities.

What was the Treaty of Amiens (1802) expected to do?

Clarify the status of the Belize settlement between European powers; peace was brief, as war resumed in 1804.

How did the British crown approach Belize during these conflicts?

Acknowledged Spanish sovereignty; tolerated settlers’ logging to maintain footholds, but did not heavily invest in military defense due to limited profitability

Population growth after Convention of London (1786)?

Increased from 500 → 2000 due to relocation from Mosquito Shores.

Captured by Spanish in 1779: numbers of whites, free coloreds, and slaves?

101 whites, 40 free coloreds, 250 slaves.

Boundaries established in the treaties

• Treaty of Versailles: Rio Hondo → Belize River

• Convention of London: Rio Hondo → Sibun River