History- Contact & Colonization 8X1 T4 2023

What is contestability?

How historians dispute a particular interpretation of a historical source, historical event or issue. For example, many historical sources have different explanations of first contact.

What is invasion?

The use of force to enter and take possession of territory.

What is occupation?

The seizure and settlement of a territory by invading foreign forces.

What is colonisation?

The forming of a settlement or a new government by people who seek to extend their territories.

What is settlement?

The act of establishing a new and permanent community, often located far from the settlers’ original home.

What does Terra Nullis mean?

Land belonging to no one

What does Indigenous mean?

The native people of an area - they are the original inhabitants of the land.

What does resistance mean?

A refusal to accept or comply with something.

What are colonies?

Small unofficial towns made by colonisers.

What is genocide?

The deliberate killing of a large group of people from a particular nation/group.

What does massacre mean?

An indiscrimination and brutal slaughter of many people.

What does first contact mean?

The first meeting of two communities/cultures previously without contact with one another.

What was the nature of contact in Australia?

Frontier wars, no treaty, Terra Nullis and land disputes

What was the nature of contact in New Zealand?

Conflict, treaty and fleeing.

What is the difference between contact and colonisation?

• One refers to the initial interaction between two groups of people who have not have any significant reaction with the other previously.

• It is often used to describe first encounter between Indigenous Australians. and European settlers. action between two groups of people who have not previously had any significant interaction with each other.

• Initial interactions between groups.

• The other refers to the process of acquiring and maintaining political control of a territory by foreign power.

• It began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 and continued until 1901 when Australia became a federation.

• Broader process of political domination and control.

What are some of the implications of colonisation?

• It changes the land, resources and governance.

• It leads to a transformation of the society, economy, culture which can result in displacement or subjugation of Indigenous populations.

• Introduces new social economic + political systems.

What is involved with of contact?

• Peaceful, cooperative or mutually beneficial

• Exchange of ideas, goods, technology

• Conflict, violence misunderstanding

• Encompasses all forms of interaction that occur when groups meet

What are some of the short term consequences of colonization specific to the Maori people?

• Lower life expectancy

• Population decline

• Fatal European diseases

• Loss of land

• Higher mortality rate

• Conflict with the Europeans

When was the first contact with Aboriginals?

In 1770 when Lieutenant James Cook interacted with the Guugu Yimithirr people around Cooktown.

What are the short term consequences of colonisation- Aboriginal + Torres Strait Islanders?

• Fatal European diseases

• Competition for clean water and food sources

• Destruction of the natural environment as the new colonists cut down trees and polluted waterholes

• Desecration of sacred sites

• Loss of land and property such as spears and fishing lines.

What are the long term consequences of colonisation specific to the Maori people?

• Higher rates of poverty

• Loss of culture

• Loss of Maori land

• Lower life expectancy

What are the long term consequences of colonisation- Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander peoples?

• The removal of children from their homes (The Stolen Generation)

• Loss of culture

• Lower life expectancy

• Denial of citizenship rights

What are the general effects of colonisation?

• Cultural differences that lead to misunderstandings

• Spread of diseases

• Conflict

What are the reasons for colonisation?

• Politics: Colonies provided status, power and influence

• Religion: Colonies provided opportunity to spread Christianity

• Economics: Colonies provided access to natural resources, goods for trade, new trade routes and markets.

What is the context for British colonisation and contact?

• It was the time of the Industrial Revolution - new basic materials (e.g. iron and steel) were used, new energy sources (e.g. coal, steam engine) were beginning to be used and new machines were invented.

• British colonies could no longer be made in America, because of the American War of Independence.

• Prisons were overflowing in Europe, which was why they need places to send criminals to.

• British settlers/colonisers believed that the white race was superior.

What are some of the key parts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture?

Kinship, community, connection to country, language/storytelling/law/dreamtime/ceremonies, art.

Kinship

Moiety, Totems and Skin Names (creates a sense of belonging, balance and community)

Community

Ancestors, elders, grandparents, siblings (everyone has multiple brothers and sisters, a sense of responsibility and respect for each other)

Connection to country

Relationship to the animals, plants and land. (A spiritual relationship. The land owns us. A need to protect Country.)

Language/storytelling

• Different languages for every tribe/nation.

• Oral traditions and stories are passed down. Explains how the world was created, cultural beliefs that relate to Country and Community.

• An essential part of culture that allows a strong connection to Country and to maintain the balance.

Art

Evidence of their connection to the land and Country. (records their stories, beliefs and knowledge)

IOPCAM: I

• What is the explicit meaning of the source? (Comprehension)

• What is the implicit meaning of the source? (Interpretation)

• How does this source corroborate the information from another source?

• How does this source contradict the information from another source?

IOPCAM: O

O = Origin

• Who created the source?

• What kind and type of source is it?

IOPCAM: P

• From what point of view is the source created?

IOPCAM: C

C = Context

• When was this source created?

• What historical events happened at this time that are important to the creation of this source?

IOPCAM: A

A = Audience

• Who was the intended audience of the source?

IOPCAM - motive

For what purpose was this source made?