Why was Fiji colonized?

Why was Fiji colonized?

European attempts at government were doomed by the greed and factionalism of their members and by the interference of European governments and consuls. Imperial intervention thus became inevitable. On October 10, 1874, after negotiations had led to an offer of unconditional cession, Fiji became a British crown colony.

Why Fiji for long was known as Bligh’s island?

Bligh Water, the strait between the two main islands, is named after him, and for a time, the Fiji Islands were known as the “Bligh Islands.” The first Europeans to maintain substantial contact with the Fijians were sandalwood merchants, whalers and “beche-de-mer” (sea cucumber) traders.

Was there slavery in Fiji?

Fiji was one such place; large numbers of settlers descended on Fiji from Australia, the United States, and elsewhere from the 1860s. They established cotton plantations, and kidnapped Melanesian labourers from New Hebrides (Vanuatu), the Solomon Islands, and from Fiji itself, to work them as slaves.

Who stopped cannibalism in Fiji?

Thomas Baker (6 February 1832 – 21 July 1867) was a Methodist missionary in Fiji, known as being the only missionary in the archipelago to be killed and eaten, along with seven of his Fijian followers….Thomas Baker (missionary)

Thomas Baker
Nationality British

How did Fiji gained independence?

On October 10, 1970-96 years to the day when Fijian chiefs ceded the islands to Queen Victoria in 1874 –Fiji gained independence. It accepted a democratic system of constitutional parliamentary government based on the British Westminster model.

Why was the Deed of Cession important to Fiji?

The Cession of Fiji to Great Britain on 10 October 1874 meant that Fiji now came under the protection of the Queen of Britain. Thus a proper government was established along with the necessary measures taken to abolish the callous practices which had arisen due to the breakdown of Cakobau’s government.

What does girmit mean?

agreement
The word girmit represented an Indian pronunciation of the English language word “agreement” – from the indenture “agreement” of the British Government with Indian labourers. The agreements specified the workers’ length of stay in foreign parts and the conditions attached to their return to the British Raj.

Is Fiji still under British rule?

Summary. The United States maintained a consular presence in Fiji before the island chain became a Crown colony within the British Empire in 1874. Fiji gained independence from British rule in October 1970 and established a parliamentary democracy.

What is the meaning of brawl?

1 : a noisy quarrel or fight a brawl broke out among the fans a barroom brawl. 2 : a loud tumultuous noise the spring run became quite a trout brook and its tiny murmur a loud brawl— John Burroughs.

What are some useful phrases to use in Fiji?

Browse through the mini dictionary below to find other useful phrases and vocabulary to use on your visit to the Fiji islands. The lists are arranged by category for your browsing convenience. But first, here’s a pronunciation guide: Goodnight or Goodbye – Moce or Ni sa moce (pronounced “mothe”) How are you?

What does Fiji mean?

Fiji ( / ˈfiːdʒi / ( listen) FEE-jee; Fijian: Viti [ˈβitʃi]; Fiji Hindi: फ़िजी, Fijī ), officially the Republic of Fiji, is an island country in Melanesia, part of Oceania in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about 1,100 nautical miles (2,000 km; 1,300 mi) northeast of New Zealand.

What is the religious situation in Fiji?

Hindus in Fiji mostly belong to the Sanatan sect (74.3% of all Hindus) or else are unspecified (22%). Muslims in Fiji are mostly Sunni (96.4%). Fiji has a high literacy rate (91.6 percent), and although there is no compulsory education, more than 85 percent of the children between the ages of 6 to 13 attend primary school.