Move
The effects of Nationalist movements against Colonisation in the Pacific was immense and was at its peak from the beginning of the 1900’s towards the end of the century. It marked the end of Colonialism in the region and the rise of new nations self-governed by the native people. Thus, it was a sacrifice and a commitment made by our forefathers, with their lives at stake. Therefore, this paper will identify and discuss the causes and the effects of protest in the Pacific, using the Mau movement in Samoa and the Maasina Ruru in the Solomon Island as an example. Also several sources will be utilised to broaden and justify the validity of the arguments and facts given. This is because, of the complex issue of acquiring reliable information about the two movements.
Firstly, the Mau Movement in Samoa was an example of a prolonged and lengthy process of Nationalism in the Pacific. This is because it was an active movement widely endorsed by the natives to represent its voice in the government. However, the stereotype and arrogance of the New Zealand administrators at the time led to more disputes and catastrophic impacts. The Mau remained true to this sentiment, and despite the exile of Nelson, continued to use civil disobedience to oppose the New Zealand administration. They boycotted imported products, refused to pay taxes and formed their own "police force", picketing stores in Apia to prevent the payment of customs to the authorities. Village committees established by the administration ceased to meet and government officials were ignored when they went on tour. Births and deaths went unregistered. Coconuts went unharvested, and the banana plantations were neglected.As the select committee was forced to admit, "a very substantial proportion of Samoans had joined the Mau, a number quite sufficient, if they determined to resist and thwart the activities of the Administration, to paralyse the functions of government."
Richardson sent a warship and a 70-strong force
Firstly, the Mau Movement in Samoa was an example of a prolonged and lengthy process of Nationalism in the Pacific. This is because it was an active movement widely endorsed by the natives to represent its voice in the government. However, the stereotype and arrogance of the New Zealand administrators at the time led to more disputes and catastrophic impacts. The Mau remained true to this sentiment, and despite the exile of Nelson, continued to use civil disobedience to oppose the New Zealand administration. They boycotted imported products, refused to pay taxes and formed their own "police force", picketing stores in Apia to prevent the payment of customs to the authorities. Village committees established by the administration ceased to meet and government officials were ignored when they went on tour. Births and deaths went unregistered. Coconuts went unharvested, and the banana plantations were neglected.As the select committee was forced to admit, "a very substantial proportion of Samoans had joined the Mau, a number quite sufficient, if they determined to resist and thwart the activities of the Administration, to paralyse the functions of government."
Richardson sent a warship and a 70-strong force
Bibliography: >Meleisea, M, et al, Western Samoa, Like a Slippery Fish, (Polynesia: USP, 1994), pp 21-30. > Meleisea, M, The Making of Modern Samoa, ( Suva: USP< 1997) pg 25-70. >Roger Keesing, Kwaio Religion: The Living and the Dead in a Solomon Island Society. New York: Columbia University Press, 1982. >Roger M