10.4 Early Colonization and Aboriginal Peoples Flashcards
In your words explain what is meant by the term Terra Nullius.
Terra Nullius is a Latin term meaning ‘empty land’.
Why did the Aboriginal people have no need to fence off areas to show possession.
Aboriginal people had a concept of shared land caretaking, they saw no need to fence off certain areas to show possession.
What was the reason for the early sightings of the Great South Land prior to 1788?
Sailors tried to establish new trade areas and colonies in the Asian region.
List the groups of people who had some contact with some Aboriginal people before Cook’s arrival?
The Macassans, the Dutch and the French.
Outline the evidence that suggests a Portuguese ship nay have been wrecked on the coast near Warrnambool before the British colonised the region.
There is a theory that historians believed, based on the existence of the wreck of a ship that was seen for many years in the sand dunes between Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
What was a “free settler”?
People who made their own decision to migrate to a colony.
Why can our traditional historical accounts of the first contacts between European and Aboriginal people be accused of bias?
It can be accused of bias as only stories of the Europeans were said while the Aboriginals point of view was never thought of and explained.
Where do historians look for sources on these first contacts?
- diaries, letters, memoirs and autobiographies
- photographs
- films
- audio recordings
- parliamentary bills, acts and papers
- newspaper articles from that time
- artefacts
- creative works
Describe the manner in which British colonisers at Sydney Cove were originally welcomed by local Aboriginal peoples.
The Aboriginal people welcomed them and some even danced with them. The local Aboriginal people showed the Europeans some good fishing spots and shared the fish that they had caught.
What caused conflicts to soon develop?
The shooting of kangaroos and other animals by the Europeans meant the Aboriginal people had scarce supplies of food and animal skins for clothing. The fish stocks suffered heavily from being fished too heavily by the Europeans. Governor Phillip ordered land to be cleared to grow crops and raise livestock. This led to Aboriginal people being pushed of their traditional land.
What misguided action did the Governor take in 1789?
Governor Phillip ordered that some Aboriginal men be abducted in 1789. Governor Phillip aimed to teach these men English language and customs so they could act as ambassadors for the British and pass messages back and forth.
What were the consequences of this action?
The first man taken, Arabanoo, died of smallpox. Two others, Bennelong and Colbee also caught smallpox but survived.
What are some of the details about Bennelong?
Bennelong learnt to speak English and developed a close relationship with Governor Phillip, teaching him some customs and traditions. Bennelong ate at the Governor’s table and dressed in the European fashion. He also accompanied Governor Phillip on a visit to England before returning to Australia in 1795.
Where is Bennelong Point and what famous building is
Located there?
The Sydney Opera House is situated on Bennelong Point, a promontory on the south side of the harbour just east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
