Guyana History

Beginnings

Guyana's history began hundreds of years before the arrival of the Europeans in the country. However, no account has been written about this past. Current historical records only indicate incidences of war and occupation of other nations.

Dutch colonization

Although Columbus was the first to sight Guyana, the very first Europeans who settled in the country were Dutch. The group settled along the banks of Essequibo River. Their initial purpose was to trade with the natives, but this soon changed into completely acquiring the territory. The trade morphed into establishment of plantations and enslavement of the natives. Unfortunately for the Dutch, their rule over two of the biggest plantations in the land was cut short by the uprising of the slaves (Berbice Salev Uprising).

British Immigrants

The Brits first entered the country as immigrants welcomed by the Dutch into Guyana. However, as time went by the British planters acquired their own lands and had as much power as some of the rich Dutch planters. Soon war broke out between two nations and the country's peace was experienced its first disturbance.

French appearance

After the war between the Brits and the Dutch, the French came into the picture to once again start a war. Defending its right over victory against the Dutch, the Brits fought for Guyana. Due to a treaty signed, France was left with nothing but the desire to have the land. Guyana remained under the British administration.

British rule

Under the Brits the country saw the increase in labor problems, the worst on slavery issues, and many other dilemmas. It may be considered the worst case. There had been huge outbursts of citizens and slaves and the government was left with no choice but to change systems.

Independence

After the Second World War the country was slowly emancipated from its colonizers. Political parties were established and Guyana experienced its very first elections. Today, the natives of Guyana still enjoy the democracy that was gradually acquired.