Guyana Colonial Records

Dutch Colonization (1616-1796)
In 1616 the Dutch established the first European settlement in the area of Guyana. In 1795 the French occupied the Netherlands and then the British declared war on France. The British sent forces to occupy Dutch colonies in Guyana in 1796.

British Colonization (1796-1966)
The British occupied the Dutch colonies of Guyana in 1796. A fight for equality eventually led to independence on 26 May 1966.