Simply Belize: The Yucatec Maya Part 3 Caste War & Sugar Cane

Summary

The video script narrates the historical conflict between the central and southern Maya, exacerbated by foreign powers employing divide and conquer strategies. It discusses the British and Mexicans arming opposing Maya factions and the Maya's resistance, leading to the Battle of San Pedro where the British were defeated. The script also covers the establishment of Maya settlements in Belize, their contribution to the sugar industry, and the impact of British control on their prosperity. It emphasizes the importance of preserving Maya culture and traditions, as seen in the educational efforts and cultural practices of the Maya people.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The Maya civilization faced a civil war, which was exploited by external forces using a divide and conquer strategy.
• 🔫 Mexicans and British sold arms to different factions of the Maya, exacerbating the conflict.
• 🌊 The Cusub Maya considered forming a separate nation with British support, seeking to distance themselves from Mexico.
• 🏰 The British were almost forced to evacuate Belize due to a significant Maya uprising.
• 📜 The Battle of San Pedro on December 21, 1866, is a significant but often overlooked event in history where the British were defeated.
• 🔚 The war ended in 1901 when the British and Mexicans agreed to stop arming the Maya, leading to peace.
• 🌾 Many Maya migrated to present-day Belize during the Caste War, bringing agricultural knowledge and establishing settlements.
• 🍬 The success of Maya sugar production attracted British companies, who eventually took over the industry.
• 🎓 The development of the sugar industry by the British led to educational opportunities for the Maya in the north.
• 🏫 In Shab Village, schoolteachers emphasize the importance of cultural heritage and traditions, teaching students to honor their ancestors.
• 🌐 The Simply Bel cultural diary provides more information on the UK Maya, encouraging the appreciation of their culture and traditions.

Q & A

What was the divide and conquer strategy that weakened the central Maya?

The divide and conquer strategy involved the Mexicans selling arms to the southern Maya to fight against the central Maya, while the British sold arms to the central Maya in Mexico to fight against the southern Maya, promoting division between the cusub and the southern Maya.

Why did the cusub Maya consider asking the British for help in the 1850s?

The cusub Maya were so powerful in the 1850s that they wanted to form a Mayan nation in Yucatan, separate from Mexico, and they sought British assistance for this.

What was the significance of the Battle of San Pedro on December 21, 1866?

The Battle of San Pedro was significant because the British were defeated, almost leading to their evacuation from Belize, and it marked a turning point in the conflict.

Why did the British and Mexicans agree to stop selling weapons to the Maya in 1901?

The British and Mexicans agreed to stop selling weapons to the Maya because the odds were against them, and continuing the war was no longer feasible.

How did the Maya Yucatecos establish themselves in Belize?

The Maya Yucatecos fleeing the Caste War established permanent settlements in present-day towns and brought with them Spanish Christian customs, agricultural knowledge, and skills in sugar production.

What was the impact of the sugar industry on the education and welfare of the Maya in the north?

The development of the sugar industry by the British led to prosperity for the Maya in the north, providing them with the means to educate their children and improve their daily welfare.

Why did powerful British companies take over the lands rented to the Maya Yucatecos?

The British companies took over the lands because they discovered that the Maya Yucatecos could produce sugar cane, which was a lucrative business opportunity for them.

What role did the sugar industry play in the education of Maya children?

The sugar industry allowed the Maya to have the means to educate their children, as it provided the necessary funds and resources for schooling.

Why is it important for the school children of Shab to remember their ancestors' traditions?

Remembering their ancestors' traditions helps the school children of Shab to maintain a connection to their cultural heritage and understand their roots.

How do the teachers of Shab hope to preserve the Maya culture?

The teachers of Shab hope to preserve the Maya culture by teaching their children about their ancestors and encouraging them to continue their traditions, such as the annual rosary in the village cemetery.