Australia

History of Australia Aborigines migrated from Asia at least 40,000 years ago. Aborigines had complex religious beliefs and social structures. Simple economy with hunting and gathering.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUp9WnLYetg&feature=related

1600-1700s, European explorers came to the islands. British declare Australia to be Terra Nullius  empty land. Aborigines did not use the land the way Westerners did, therefore, the British had the right to take the land without treaties to the Aborigines. 1788 Britain began to colonize Australia as a penal colony for prisoners.

Europeans settled on the most fertile land. British colonists had violent conflicts with the Aborigines who tried to defend their land. Aborigines forced to live on reserves  less productive land. 1851, gold discovered bringing more Europeans.

1901, Australian independence. Australian government continued persecution of the Aborigines. 1909-1969  government took 100,000 mixed-race children and gave them to white families to assimilate them. Known as the Stolen Generation Aborigines have less education and higher rates of poverty.

Aborigines have made claims to their original land. Mabo Case  Aborigines had owned land before British. Wik Case  Aborigines can begin to claim land owned by others.

Australia’s economy Dependent on the production of farm goods. Wool and mining are major industries. Mining difficult  Outback conditions

Australia’s culture Most Australians are of British descent; 1% are Aboriginal. Christianity is the major religion. English is the official language. Aborigines have ancient traditions that are NOT combined with British culture.

New Zealand “land of the Kiwi”

History of New Zealand New Zealand was settled by the Maori, who had migrated from Polynesia more than 1,000 years ago. Maori lived by fishing, hunting, and farming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cle20lQg0Qs http://www.spike.com/full-episodes/heji8r/deadliest-warrior-shaolin-monk-vs-maori-warrior-season-1-ep-107 Deadliest Warrior, maori (find scene)

New Zealand was colonized by hunters and whalers from Europe, America, and Australia. In New Zealand, 1840, British and Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi, giving British control over New Zealand.

Different translations between groups. English version gave complete control Maori version gave Britain “governorship.”

Land Wars lasted from 1845-1847 and from 1860-1872. Tens of thousands of Maoris died from diseases. Gold was discovered in 1861 bringing more Europeans.

New Zealand gained self-governance in 1907. 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the vote. Maori have lower education and live in higher poverty. Working for claims to their original land.

New Zealand economy New Zealand remains in the British Commonwealth. Main export is the kiwi fruit, along with lamb. 85% of people live in cities.

New Zealand Culture New Zealand people are of British descent called pakehas (“white person” in Maori). 15% of New Zealanders are of Maori descent.

New Zealand and Maori culture are blended together. Both are official languages. Religion combines Christianity with Maori traditional teachings.

Cities are un-crowded, quiet and free of pollution. Outdoor sports are popular including skiing and mountain climbing.