Guayana Province and Amazonas: A Colonial History
The territorial evolution of northern South America is a complex tapestry of colonial claims and shifting borders. Central to this history is the Guayana Province and the region of Amazonas, areas that transitioned through various Spanish and Portuguese administrations before forming the foundations of modern nation-states.
The Evolution of Guayana Province
From 1591 to 1739, Guayana Province encompassed a vast territory roughly equivalent to the modern-day country of Guyana and the Guayana Region of Venezuela. During its early years, from its establishment in 1585 until 1776, it operated within the Spanish colonial New Andalusia Province.
Administrative oversight shifted over time. Between 1717 and 1819, the province fell under the larger jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. By 1739, the territory was merged with the Trinidad Province (modern-day Trinidad and Tobago) to form the Spanish Trinidad-Guayana Province. Later, in 1776, it was incorporated into the newly created Captaincy General of Venezuela.
Following the Venezuelan War of Independence, which lasted from 1811 to 1823, the region served as a province within the newly established nation of Venezuela until 1864.
The Transition of Amazonas
The region of Amazonas, named after the Amazon River, followed a different trajectory. Originally known as Spanish Guyana, it was once part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru.
The geopolitical landscape changed in the early 18th century when Portuguese settlers began moving into the area. This shift was formalized by the Treaty of Madrid in 1750, which officially incorporated the region into the Portuguese Empire. Decades later, in 1889, Amazonas became a state of the Brazilian Republic.
Key Facts
- Guayana Province (1591–1739): Covered areas similar to present-day Guyana and the Venezuelan Guayana Region.
- Administrative Shifts: Guayana was part of New Andalusia (1585–1776) and the Viceroyalty of New Granada (1717–1819).
- Amazonas Origin: Formerly Spanish Guyana under the Viceroyalty of Peru.
- Portuguese Integration: Amazonas joined the Portuguese Empire via the Treaty of Madrid in 1750.
- Brazilian Statehood: Amazonas officially became a state of the Brazilian Republic in 1889.
| Period/Year | Region | Governing Entity |
|---|---|---|
| 1585–1776 | Guayana | New Andalusia Province |
| 1717–1819 | Guayana | Viceroyalty of New Granada |
| 1739 | Guayana & Trinidad | Trinidad-Guayana Province |
| 1750 | Amazonas | Portuguese Empire (Treaty of Madrid) |
| 1776 | Guayana | Captaincy General of Venezuela |
| 1889 | Amazonas | Brazilian Republic |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original extent of Guayana Province?
Between 1591 and 1739, Guayana Province covered a territory roughly equal to the current country of Guyana and the Guayana Region of Venezuela.
How did Amazonas become part of Brazil?
Originally part of the Spanish Viceroyalty of Peru as Spanish Guyana, the region was settled by the Portuguese in the early 18th century and formally incorporated into the Portuguese Empire through the Treaty of Madrid in 1750.
When did Guayana Province become part of Venezuela?
It was incorporated into the Captaincy General of Venezuela in 1776 and remained a province of the independent nation of Venezuela from the end of the War of Independence (1823) until 1864.
What was the role of the Viceroyalty of New Granada?
The Viceroyalty of New Granada held jurisdiction over Guayana Province from 1717 to 1819.