How Did The British Colonize Tasmanian Aboriginals?

The British believed they were superior to the Tasmanian Aboriginals. This belief originates from the work of Charles Darwin whose thesis on Social Darwinism suggested that certain groups of people are able to achieve an advantage over others due to their biological superiority. This governed the actions of many British colonists. When the ‘superior’ British interacted with the ‘primitive’ Tasmanian Aboriginals, there was a sudden increase in the mortality rate of Tasmanian Aboriginals. Moreover, James Barnard the editor of The Age stated (WHEN) “that following the law of evolution and survival of the fittest, the inferior races of mankind must give place to the higher type of man. It seems a law of nature.” This demonstrates that the British believed they were the superior race, and in an attempt to justify their future actions it was claimed to be “a law of nature.” Additionally, the British claimed the land was “Terra Nullius” meaning ‘the land belonged to no one,’ as the Tasmanian Aboriginals did not implement any recognized law of property. Also, Tasmanian Aboriginals were
The desire to colonise Tasmanian Aboriginals can be demonstrated when Governor Arthur wrote to all roving parties that “the government puts forth its strength… by no means … to seek the destruction of the Aborigines,” demonstrating the British desire for colonisation. Moreover, the notion of colonialism was a common occurrence during this era as it was deemed acceptable to discover a country and colonize it. This was an accepted fact regardless of who previously occupied the land, as it was seen as an opportunity to maximise the Empire and the potential arable land. This further corresponds with the Oxford Dictionary’s definition of colonialism justified by their notion of Darwinism. However, colonialism created an offset for