301 Week 3 Discussion

Posted: March 27th, 2020

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301 Week 3 Discussion

British explorers used different approaches in their first interactions with the indigenous population. However, all the interactions were aimed at asserting their superiority on the basis that they were civilized. The Europeans had an inclination to use their weapons on animals around the indigenous people to instill fear and respect. The general perception was that native people were incapable of building a civilization (Cook 4). For this reason, they needed enlightenment from a superior population. Nevertheless, civilization was not necessary for the indigenous peoples, as they had survived for many centuries without external interventions. The intentions of the explorers in all cases were expansionist rather than caring for the interests of the indigenous population. The harsh reaction of the natives was anticipated. Brutal resistance should always be expected when there is a disrespectful intrusion into the internal affairs of a certain nation.

In some situations, the natives gladly welcomed the European visitors to their lands. In other cases, the indigenous people mounted a violent resistance. The Europeans responded with brutal force, and many lives were lost in these conflicts. However, the visitors did not need to meet in that manner necessarily. A peaceful retreat would have assured the natives of pure intentions by the visitors. The expansionist ideology by the European explorers had its primary objective to oppress native peoples. The Europeans looked into the culture of the native population with the intention of describing it to the outside world. They did not explore the approach of understanding the culture to facilitate collaboration (Douglas 3). The overbearing nature of the Europeans made it difficult to foster good relations with the native populations. Their interventions mainly resulted in unnecessary confrontations. Superior weapons and technologies granted the Europeans an upper hand in the struggle.

Works Cited

Cook, James. “Captain James Cook Describes His Impression of New Holland, August 1770.” Making Australian History: Perspectives on the Past Since 1788, edited by Deborah Gare and David Ritter, Thomson Learning Australia, 2008, pp. 3-4.

Douglas, James. “Lord Morton, President of the Royal Society. ‘Hints Offered to the Consideration of Captain Cooke, Mr. Bankes, Doctor Solander and Other Gentlemen Who Go Upon The Expedition On Board The Endeavour’, 1768.” Making Australian History: Perspectives on the Past Since 1788, edited by Deborah Gare and David Ritter, Thomson Learning Australia, 2008, pp. 2-3.