Part 4/8:
By 1821, following Spain's loss of control in the Americas, Guatemala became independent. However, Belize, then known as British Honduras, remained under British control. The British hesitated to establish a formal government, fearing Spanish reprisals. Nonetheless, settlers began to self-govern, which drew irritation from Spanish officials who maintained their territorial claims.
In 1859, Guatemala recognized British claims over the territory through the Wyke-Ayau Treaty, which established borders from the Rio Hondo to the Sarstoon River. However, after this treaty, both parties failed to build an agreed road, leading to further disputes over territorial claims.