Belize Independence
Infographic By Akeylah Hernandez
Gallery
Timeline
The Devaluation Crisis
Economic downturn prompts calls for self-governance in British Honduras (now Belize) due to dissatisfaction with colonial rule.
01/01/1949
Formation of People's United Party
Formation of People's United Party (PUP). Minimum age for women voters lowered from 30 to 21.
01/08/1950Constitutional Reforms
Constitutional reforms give Belize limited autonomy; general elections won by People's United Party (PUP), led by George Price.
02/10/1954Hurricane
Hurricane Hattie kills more than 260 people.
03/14/1961
New constitution
New constitution gives Belize full autonomy and introduces universal adult suffrage and a two-chamber parliament.
12/01/1964
The Transition
Belmopan replaces Belize City as capital.
01/08/1970
Name Change
The country changes its name from British Honduras to Belize.
02/10/1973
Independence Constitution
Belize adopts a constitution in preparation for independence, defining its governmental structure and fundamental rights.
03/14/1979
UN passes resolution
UN passes resolution demanding secure independence of Belize before next session in 1981. No country votes against measure; Guatemala refuses to vote.
12/01/1980
Independence !!
Belize becomes independent with George Price as prime minister, but Guatemala refuses to recognise it. About 1,500 British troops remain to defend the country against Guatemalan territorial claims.
09/21/1981