Guyana and Venezuela were both colonized during the period of "old imperialism" in the Americas. Christopher Columbus claimed Guyana for Spain in 1498, and the Spanish established settlements in the region, but were ultimately unsuccessful in maintaining a permanent presence. The Dutch established a colony in Guyana in the 17th century, which they called Essequibo, and the British also established colonies in the 18th century. Guyana remained a British colony until it gained independence in 1966. Venezuela was also colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century, with a focus on mining gold and silver, but they also established plantations and imported enslaved Africans to work on them. In the early 19th century, Venezuela gained independence from Spain, but struggled with political instability and economic challenges. The histories of both countries reflect the impact of "old imperialism" on these territories, including the exploitation of indigenous peoples, the importation of enslaved Africans, and the establishment of colonial economies based on plantation agriculture. These legacies continue to shape the social, economic, and political landscapes of both countries.