Intolerance towards indigenous people is typical of colonial societies.
Māori, as individuals and communities, were the subject of racism and discrimination as Europeans settled in New Zealand in the 19th century.
The intolerance of most white people was based less on an assumption of genetic superiority than of cultural superiority.
The conversion of Māori to Christianity, the usurping of their resources (notably land for farming by settlers)
The growing dominance of the institutions of the New Zealand state were based on beliefs about the superiority of European civilisation and the perceived backwardness of Māori culture.
Why was New Zealand attractive to imperialism?
Whaling.
Sealing.
Expanding the Christian religion.
British saw intertribal conflicts as an opportunity to create and arms trade.
Social Darwinism was a factor, since the British wanted to impose their culture to the native people of the Island
They where able to do this, since constant warmongering among local tribes weakened them, allowing the British to take over more easily .
Later on, the British imposed their culture in a more notable manner. They forced them to follow their religion, and even follow a British system of education.
EVENTS
1815- First British missionaries arrive. 1840-Treaty of Waitangi gives Britain sovereignty over New Zealand. Maori people are protected under this treaty by the European power empire. 1810's, 1820's 1830's - Musket Wars: Caused by the introduction of the Musket, and conflicts dated back even before europeans even came. It killed 1/5 of the Maori population. 1833- James Busby becomes the first official resident of NZ. He had few support from the British. However he got help from the governor of New South Wales. Eventually, the New Zealand Company was created. 1845- New Zealand Wars: Wars caused by Maori resistance against the British. 1893- First country to give woman the right to vote. 1907- New Zealand becomes a dominion within the British Empire. This means that they still belonged to the British but were not considered a British colony, but a British territory under British rule. 1914- WW1 and NZ commits to thousands of troops to support Great Britain in the war. 1939-1945- Troops from NZ participate in WW2.
IMPACTS AND INFLUENCES of IMPERIALISM
The Maori only traded with European Whalers. However that was complicated when the Maori killed and ate some British captains and settlers.
Traded Fish.
They exported to Australia.
Used the Waka Huia (container box) to keep precious traded goods.
Reciprocal Trade: Equally beneficial trade deals with other countries.
British allowed them to have a trade pig industry in Auckland.
Maori were allowed to transport goods in canoes into the ports.
Quarrying of Natural Resources in the first century of settlement.
Before European influence, 80% of land was covered in trees in NZ.
Gave the weapons and armed them to fight against themselves.
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Natives learned to read and write.
Europeans introduced modern goods to the Maori.
The cultural gap between NZ and the rest of the world was closed because of the new trade routes.
All tribes were united under one flag.
There was an established government.
Maori seats were created in the parliament.
Brits took advantage of the Maori when it came to trading
Natives where massacred
English started wars between native tribes
British brought diseases, therefore many natives died due to lack of immunity
Maori lost their culture since they where obligated to follow western social norms
KEY PEOPLE
William Hobson
Was sent to achieve complete sovereignty of NZ.
He needed consent of the Maori Chiefs.
Once he got it, NZ would become under the jurisdiction of the Governor of New South Wales, a British territory.
Soon immigrants would flow in.
The Treaty of Wantagni made New Zealand and official colony under Hobson’s rule.