Title: The Settling of Islands and Indigenous-Outsider Interactions Course: IST-2010-01

Name: Minh Vu
Date:06/02/2024
Essential Question: How did contacts between European colonial powers and islander groups affect the social,
cultural, and economic landscapes of these islands, and what long-term effects did these interactions have on
indigenous peoples?

Questions/Kev Ideas Notes

How did the conceptual shift from Investigate how advances in navigation technology, such as improved ship construction and
perceiving the ocean as a barrier navigational devices, influenced Norse perceptions of the ocean. Investigate how cultural influences
during the Thalassic period to such as sagas and storytelling shaped the worldview of Norse mariners. Examine the economic
viewing it as a passage in the Oceanic motives, such as trade possibilities and resource acquisition, that led the Norse to see the ocean as a
era affect Norse exploration and potential route for growth.
relations with the North Atlantic
islands?
What were the socio-cultural Investigate how Norse settlement affected Pictish communities, taking into account language, religion,
dynamics and outcomes of Norse and daily life. Investigate archeological evidence of cohabitation or war, including changes in material
settlers' (Vikings) interactions with culture. Examine how Norse economic activities, such as farming and commerce, affected indigenous
the pre-existing Pictish people in the economies. Discuss the long-term repercussions on Pictish inhabitants, such as potential assimilation or
Orkneys, Shetlands, and Hebrides? displacement.
How did Norse exploration and Trace the history of Norse exploration, including key voyages and colonies. Examine the
settlement patterns evolve as they environmental issues that Norse settlers encountered, such as climate adaptability and resource
moved westward from the Orkneys to management. Investigate the economic activities that supported Norse populations in each location,
Iceland, Greenland, and potentially including agriculture, trading networks, and connections with local ecosystems. Discuss the
Vinland? socioeconomic and cultural developments that occurred in Norse settlements over time.
What archeological and historical Consider the credibility of sagas, taking into account any potential biases or mistakes. Examine
evidence supports the existence of archeological discoveries, such as the L'Anse aux Meadows site, and consider their implications for
Vinland, and how did Norse voyages understanding Norse presence in North America. Investigate the Norse influence on indigenous
to Canada's Atlantic provinces and civilizations, economic links, and information transfer between Norse and subsequent European
New England relate to the larger explorers. Discuss how these brief Norse excursions affected European perceptions of North America,
history of European discovery in despite the fact that no permanent settlement was established.
North America?
How did the European geographic Investigate the historical backdrop behind European cartographic divides in the Pacific. Consider Kerry
classification of the Pacific into Howe's analysis of the cultural implications of these designations. Discuss how the classification may
Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia have resulted in stereotypes, with Polynesians seen as superior, Melanesians as inferior, and
influence cultural conceptions, and Micronesians as less significant. Consider how these designations affect intercultural connections and
what critiques might be leveled at identity development among islander groups.
these labels?
How and why did many islands reject Analyze the reasons behind the rejection of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia in favor of Oceania.
the three-part regionalization in favor Discuss how Oceania represents a more inclusive and united viewpoint, highlighting the connectivity
of the more inclusive word of islands and peoples. Examine the symbolic meaning of the phrases "Near Oceania" and "Remote
"Oceania," and what does this move Oceania" in identifying historical migratory patterns and settlements. Highlight Oceania's significance
mean? in fostering a shared identity among various island communities.
What is the timeline of human Examine the chronology of human settlement in Oceania, beginning with the initial colonization about
settlement in Oceania, and what 750,000 to 800,000 years ago. Discuss the notion of a "voyaging nursery" and how it aided the
contributes to the remarkable factors development of nautical abilities. Investigate the natural circumstances, technical improvements, and
colonization movements in the social structure that enabled the spectacular colonization migrations across the Pacific. Emphasize the
region? cultural durability and flexibility of the Lapita and Austronesian populations.
How did the Lapita Polynesians and Discover the processes that allowed Lapita Polynesians to maintain their cultural identity, such as oral
their successors retain cultural links histories and linguistic features. Discuss how these cultural aspects aided in the maintenance of identity
and communication across Oceania throughout 25 to 150 generations. Examine the impact of European discovery in the 1700s, with a
over multiple generations, and what special emphasis on Captain Cook's trips, and consider how these interactions affected established
influence did European exploration cultural networks. Consider the robustness of cultural traditions as well as the possible disruptions
have in the 1700s? caused by external pressures.
How did European contact affect Examine the estimates of indigenous populations before and after European contact, focusing on Tahiti
Oceania's indigenous people, and and Hawai'i. Examine the rapid population loss of smaller islands caused by confrontations with
what circumstances lead to dramatic European powers, forced relocations, and the spread of contagious illnesses. Discuss the influence of
population losses on particular venereal diseases on reproduction rates and depopulation, highlighting cases where Europeans sought
islands? to control contact between their crews and native people.
How did environmental factors like Determine the relationship between environmental factors and population dynamics in Oceania.
sea levels and temperature variations Discuss the idea that populations grew during periods of greater temperatures and sea levels (1300-750
influence population fluctuations in AD). Investigate the effects of the Little Ice Age on population decreases, carrying capacity, and
Oceania, and how did this alter intertribal warfare. Examine how changes in environmental circumstances may have affected society
indigenous cultures' cultural structures and levels of intertribal conflict.
structures?
How did Pacific Islanders Consider the Polynesian view of the water as a path rather than a barrier. Investigate Elizabeth
purposefully settle and navigate the Deloughrey's "roots and routes" metaphor to learn how Indigenous identities were founded on their
vast Pacific, challenging the islands and linked by the sea. Discuss Polynesians' long-distance communication and transportation
European misconception that most of tactics, which include navigational techniques, environmental clues, and extensive knowledge of the
the Pacific had been populated water. Examine how European explorers' perspectives shaped the historical story of unintended
accidentally? population.
What advanced navigational Explore David Lewis' tactics in "We, the Navigators," which include vessel building, celestial
procedures did Polynesians use, and navigation, ocean swell and wind data, "dead reckoning," seabird behavior, and environmental clues.
how did these approaches let them Highlight the Polynesian worldview, which envisioned islands advancing toward the navigator.
travel long distances across the Discuss the maritime boats known as va'a, their capacity, and the complex navigational gear depicted
Pacific? on stamps, focusing on their efficiency and size. Examine how Polynesians maintained communication
and transportation networks throughout the Pacific.
Could Polynesia Have Been Settled Look into the dispute surrounding Thor Heyerdahl's idea that Polynesians came from the Americas.
from the Americas? Highlight the connections Heyerdahl discovered between South American and Polynesian cultures and
artifacts, especially the existence of the South American sweet potato on Fatu Hiva. Discuss
Heyerdahl's Kon-Tiki mission, which sought to establish the technological feasibility of South
Americans crossing the Pacific from east to west. Despite the widespread popularity of his book and
video, academics agree that archaeological records, linguistic study, and the origins of introduced
plants and animals point to the Southeast Asian archipelago as the most likely source of early Pacific
Island colonization. Consider the broader implications of Western reluctance to accept Indigenous
navigational capabilities and the ongoing challenges in challenging Eurocentric perspectives on
oceanic migration and settlement.

Impact of European Contact on Study how European contact affected indigenous communities in the Caribbean. Highlight the diversity
Indigenous Populations in the of Indigenous groups, such as the Ciboney, Arawak (Taino), and Carib, as well as their roots in South
Caribbean America. Investigate the interactions between various tribes, such as the displacement of the Taino by
the Caribs. Discuss estimates of pre-European-contact Indigenous populations in the Americas and
Caribbean, recognizing the lack of agreement on these figures. Examine the dramatic population
decreases, with Girvan estimating a 90% decrease within the first two centuries of European invasion.
Identify important elements contributing to the decrease, such as European-introduced illnesses and
disruptions of native food sources, which resulted in hunger, conflict, and slavery. Consider the
historical and cultural implications of such population declines for the Indigenous peoples of the
Caribbean.
Impact of European Exploration on Find out how European discovery influenced perceptions of Indigenous islanders in the Caribbean and
Islander Perception Pacific. Discuss how early European explorers, such as Columbus and Magellan, portrayed Indigenous
peoples and their condescending views. Highlight examples of Indigenous cultures that were
misinterpreted, such as Magellan's meeting with the Chamorro people and their communal property
sharing system. Consider the long-term repercussions of these unfavorable attitudes on islanders, as
reported by Epeli Hau'ofa, and how they shaped their understanding of their own history and customs.
Eurocentric Attitudes in Islander Examine the Eurocentric views displayed by European explorers, missionaries, and traders in their
Encounters interactions with Indigenous islanders. Draw connections between depictions of indigenous peoples in
the Caribbean and the Americas, emphasizing the condescending and patronizing sentiments stated by
explorers such as Columbus and Darwin. Discuss how religious conversion shapes perspectives of
indigenous cultures. Investigate how Eurocentric attitudes continue to shape narratives regarding pre-
European contact times, including Indigenous self-perception and external perceptions.
Impact of European Colonialism on Check out the reasons behind European colonial powers' early reluctance to take responsibility for
Island Territories island colonies. Discuss how attitudes shifted in the later part of the nineteenth century and during
World War I, resulting in greater interest in purchasing and controlling islands. Investigate the various
causes for colonialism, including political, strategic, and economic factors. Use particular instances,
such as the acquisition of Samoa and Hawai'i, to demonstrate the complicated dynamics of colonial
possession of island territories.
European Encounters and Investigate the modifications that happened in the Caribbean as a result of European interactions, with
Transformations in the Caribbean an emphasis on the effects of colonialism on Indigenous communities. Discuss the Catholic Church's
participation, papal decrees, and territorial claims in the Caribbean throughout the sixteenth century.
Examine the move from religious impulses to economic concerns, such as the growth of sugar-
producing plantation economy. Analyze how slavery, epidemics, and economic changes affected
Indigenous inhabitants, utilizing case studies such as Antigua to demonstrate the significant changes
that occurred in island civilizations.
Maori-European Relations in New Analyze European-Maori relations in New Zealand, particularly throughout the nineteenth century.
Zealand Discuss European exploration, whaling, commerce, and missionary activity in New Zealand.
Investigate the implications of growing European presence, such as battles over land, resources, and
 the introduction of modern weapons. Analyze the Treaty of Waitangi's relevance and ramifications,
focusing on the differences between the English and Maori versions. Examine major events, such as
the Battle of Gate Pa, to determine the long-term influence of European colonialism on Maori society,
culture, and demography.
Impact of Missionary Activities on Examine the various effects of missionary operations on indigenous peoples in island regions.
Indigenous Peoples Investigate the twin goals of converting Indigenous peoples to Christianity and retaining European rule,
highlighting the interdependence of missions with commercial and imperial agendas. Discuss the
progression of European attitudes toward islands, beginning with the "noble savage" viewpoint and
progressing to shifting perceptions by the nineteenth century. Analyze the difficulties of missionary-
Indigenous interactions, taking into account cultural disputes, illnesses, and society structural changes.
Cultural Consequences of European Assess the cultural implications of European interactions on island communities, with an emphasis on
Encounters missionary-induced changes. Examine how European ideas of islanders shaped policies and attitudes
toward native spiritual beliefs, social behaviors, and government systems. Examine the consequences
of marginalizing Indigenous cultural activities such as nudity, tattoos, and feasts, as well as prohibiting
traditional social and government institutions. Discuss the long-term implications of missionary
condemnations on islanders' perceptions of their own history and customs.
European Views and Treatment of Evaluate European attitudes about islander cultures and the treatment of Indigenous peoples during
Islander Cultures encounters and missionary efforts. Investigate Bernard W. Smith's concepts of "soft primitivism" and
"hard primitivism," focusing on how Europeans regarded various island people based on attributes such
as docility, intellect, and government systems. Discuss the shifts in European attitudes at the start of the
nineteenth century, as well as the growing missionary presence in response to the detrimental
consequences of European colonizers on Indigenous communities.
Nuances in Missionary Approaches Analyze missionaries' complex techniques in different places, as well as their differing consequences
and Outcomes on Indigenous cultures. Use examples such as Samuel Marsden's pragmatic approach in New Zealand
and Henry Williams' more strict position to demonstrate the variety of missionary techniques. Discuss
the unexpected repercussions of missionary activity, such as disease transmission, changes in society
structures, and confrontations between missionaries and indigenous communities. Investigate disputes
on whether certain beneficial achievements, such as the end of slavery and the decrease of harmful
habits, offset the overall terrible effects of cultural and physical genocide.

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Summary: European colonization had a significant and frequently negative impact on islander populations.
Encounters resulted in population destruction due to illnesses, conflict, and occupation. Indigenous
land usage and fishing rights were interrupted and replaced with colonial traditions. Missionaries
contributed to the erosion of traditional beliefs in favor of Christianity. Original civilizations of the
Caribbean have mostly vanished, to be replaced by a fusion of influences. Indigenous cultures continue
to thrive throughout Oceania, despite external influences, with differing consequences across different
islands.

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