Australian Land Rights & James Cook's Voyages: Key Historical Insights

Mabo decision

It overturned terra nullius and recognised native title, meaning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples could legally claim traditional rights to their land.

Eddie Mabo's contribution

He led the legal case proving his people's connection to Mer (Murray Island), which won recognition of native title for all Indigenous Australians.

James Cook's background

He was a merchant navy apprentice and later a cartographer.

Cook's first voyage embarkation date

1768

Primary goal of Cook's first voyage

To observe the transit of Venus and secretly search for the great southern land.

Cook's discovery in relation to New Zealand

He proved New Zealand was made up of two main islands, not part of a larger continent.

Terra nullius definition

Land belonging to no one; it justified British colonisation and ignoring indigenous ownership.

Cook's first encounter at Botany Bay

His men fired shots during tense encounters, showing early violence and mistrust.

Technological advancement in Cook's second voyage

Use of the marine chronometer for precise longitude measurements.

Cook's method to address scurvy

He supplied sauerkraut, fresh produce, and enforced hygiene to prevent scurvy.

Main objective of Cook's third voyage

To find the northwest passage between the Atlantic and Pacific.

Outcome of Cook's northwest passage attempt

He failed, being blocked by Arctic ice.

Cook's tragic end

He was killed in Hawaii during a conflict with locals in 1779.

Contentious commemoration of James Cook

He is seen as a symbol of colonisation that brought violence, dispossession, and disease to indigenous peoples.

Main events of Cook's life

Birth 1728, first voyage 1768, transit of Venus 1769, New Zealand 1769, Australia landing 1770, return 1771, second voyage 1772, Antarctic crossing 1773, return 1775, third voyage 1776, death 1779, burial at sea 1779.

Use of colours in Possession Island painting

The bold colours of the indigenous figure stand out against faded European figures, focusing on indigenous presence and creating a mood of resistance.

Central figure in red holding green bottles

It represents European colonisers, showing power and dominance over the land and indigenous peoples.

Figures positioning in the painting

The indigenous figure is central and vibrant while Europeans are faded, suggesting shifting focus and challenging traditional power dynamics.

Artist's communication about legacy of interactions

That European colonisation caused harm but indigenous identity and resistance remained strong.

Impact of Cook's voyages

His voyages mapped the Pacific and Australia, helping European colonisation, but caused dispossession, disease, and violence against indigenous peoples.