Aboriginal Attitudes Towards The Europeans.

The Aborigines had no idea what to make of the white people - White people were not part of their ancient stories - Maybe they were devils or stupid ghosts of their ancestors who could not speak Aboriginal languages It is estimated that prior to the arrival of British settlers the population of Indigenous Australians was approximately 318, ,000 across the continent Today: 517, % of Australia's population

Governor Phillip instructed the people to remain on good terms with the Aborigines But due to cultural differences and the language barrier, Europeans unknowingly broke Aboriginal laws and therefore their trust and respect The Aboriginal society was not based on a hierarchy and had no currency. Therefore you shared everything, and if you had nothing to give, then you had an obligation to give something of yours in return.

More and more British settlers arrived The Aborigines realised they intended to stay. They no longer saw the Europeans as relatives or visitors, but as Invaders and that Aboriginal occupation of their land was under threat. Violence erupted in many parts of Australia

As these pictures show, the Aborigines put up fierce resistance to white settlement. Although their spears were a poor substitute for the rifles of the settlers, they struck fear into the hearts of European settlers. Europeans often referred to a ‘ Black War ’ on the frontiers of European settlement. Aborigines never had a chance of winning as there was 500 different language groups, so rarely fought as a single unit. The Europeans had horses, rifles and a lot of immigration of men

“ List of outrages recently committed by the Natives in the neighbourhood of Port Fairy. Mr. Richie – Man killed, 100 sheep taken and hut robbed of everything it contained including a double-barrelled shotgun Mr Cambell – 200 sheep and 10 pounds of potatoes Messrs Kilson and Bernard – 5 horses taken, 7 head of cattle killed, and 40 calves, also 33 driven up and two men wounded, the station menaced Messrs Hutchinson and Kidd – Shepherd killed, found with a spear through his heart. Captain Webster – 350 sheep and 1 man wounded Mr Barnett – 450 ewes and lambs Mr Munston – 2000 sheep taken and man speared. ” - Port Phillip Mail, 30 March 1842

1) Look at picture of “The Marauders” (a) What are the Aborigines doing in this painting? (b) Why do you think they are taking this action? (c) What has happened the shepherd? (d) How do you think the artist viewed Aborigines? 2) Look at the picture of “Attack on a settler’s hut” (a) Describe what is happening in this scene (b) What weapons are being used? (c) Why might Aborigines have taken this action? (d) Why did Aborigines have little hope of winning in the frontier wars with Europeans?

3) What impression is given of the Aborigines in both pictures? Use examples from the pictures to back up your answer. 4) How do both pictures suggest that the Aborigines’ understanding of the Europeans had gone beyond the idea that they were ghosts or temporary visitors? Use examples from the pictures to back up your answer.