Imperialism In Fiji

The Melanesians and the Polynesians were first to settle in Fiji. Supposedly, the Fijian legend who went by Chief Lutunasobasoba led his people across the Pacific from Asia. These two diverse groups of people had established an improved society for this time period. Thousands of years later many famous explorers sailed past the island of Fiji, but never set foot on the island. The first European to encounter the island was Abel Tasman in 1643, which was by accident. Over a hundred years later British Captain James Cook sailed by the island. Despite these two sailor’s discovery of the islands, historians believe the credit should go to Captain William Bligh, who was also a British Captain that once sailed with Cook. Captain Bligh was the first to actually chart the island of Fiji, giving him the ultimate glory of the discovery.
The first Europeans to actually live amongst the Fijians were “shipwrecked sailors and runaway convicts, from the Australian penal settlements”. By the 19th century
Luckily, the colonial government stepped in and sided with the Fijians. The population was eventually restored back to normal. About five years later Indians arrived in Fiji to work as servants on sugar plantations. Soon after the indentured system was abolished, allowing the Indians to return home. Although, many stayed put and became farmers and businessmen. The Indians still make up a large portion of the Fijian population today. (about 40%).
Major changes came with the 20th century, such as economic and political change due to the blow-up in the sugar industry, which helped Fijis economy. “In 1970 Fiji gained independence from Great Britain”. These political issue were never resolved completely, causing some conflict. Luckily they don’t affect people traveling to the islands. Today, Fiji is highly recognized as centerpiece of the South