British colonisation of Tasmania
The British Colonisation of Tasmania (1803 - 1821) had severe social effects for the native aborigines of Tasmania. Almost all of the 7000 native people were slaughtered during a period of colonisation lasting around 18 years.[1] By the end of Britain's colonisation in 1821, at least two families of Aborigines were living on the Island.
By 1835 only one aboriginal family remained on the island. They were living in a white sealing village near the Bass Strait, hiding from British authorities. Many crimes against humanity were executed upon the native inhabitants including genocide, and torture.[1] By the end of the colonisation in 1821 the British Empire had annexed large parts of mainland Australia, and all of Tasmania.
Etymology
Tasmania is named after its founder, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman. It was formerly known as Anthony Van Diemen's Land after Tasman's financial sponsor, Anthony van Diemen, who was the Governor of the Dutch East Indies. Once the British annexed the island the name was shortened to Van Diemen's Land. The island was renamed Tasmania on 1 January 1856.[2] Tasmania was colloquially referred as "Dervon" by the outlaw Ned Kelly. Other more recent nicknames for the island are; "Taz" and "Tassie." (pronounced: "Tazzie.")
References
Notes
- ^ a b Paxman (2011) pp.165-166
- ^ Newman, Terry (2005). http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/php/BecomingTasmania/BTAppend2.htm.
Bibliography
- Paxman, Jeremy (2011). Empire: What ruling the world did to the British. London: Penquin Books. ISBN 978-0-670-91957-4.
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