South Sea Islanders Research Paper

Approximately 55, 000 to 62, 000 South Sea Islanders were recruited to Australia during 1863 to 1904. The majority were forced out of their homes and others were bribed with things such as mirrors, knifes and other possessions that assist with their survival. The South Sea Islanders migrated to Queensland and northern New South Wales from over 80 Pacific Islands. They were known as the ‘Kanakas’ which is a Hawaiian word that defines to ‘man’. South Sea Islanders had a huge impact on Australia but were treated poorly and went through a high level of racism and general discrimination. This essay will present an overview of the historical and social contributions, their importance and lastly their employment role, beginning with how they aided …show more content…
As proved the south sea islanders aided in Australia’s development largely throughout many ways; socially, culturally and economically by migrating to Australia. Why did the south sea islanders migrate to Australia? The majority of the south sea islanders were blackbirded or deceived into coming. The minority that chose to migrate did not know what was to come. They were treated just as horribly as the others who were forced; they were all obliged to sign contracts that they couldn’t read since it was all in English. Regarding the people who were deceived into coming they were usually lured in with mirrors, knifes and other possessions that they believed would help them survive. 50, 000 people who were mostly men and relatively women had come from 80 Pacific Islands which encompassed Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. South sea islanders were mainly blackbirded to work in Cotton fields but by 1868 most were recruited to work on sugar plantations. Blackbirding is the act of enslaving, usually by force and was practiced on the south sea islanders who were collectively known as the Kanakas during the 19th – 20th century. Blackbirding was most popular during 1847 and the first attempt to stop it happened during