Why is Fiji not part of Polynesia?

As it did so, tensions between the Melanesian and Polynesian people grew and, ultimately, a significant number of the Lapita people chose, or were coerced, to leave Fiji and settle in locations further east, such as Tonga, Samoa and other islands which are today collectively known as Polynesia.

Are Polynesians and Tongans the same?

Polynesians, including Samoans, Tongans, Niueans, Cook Islands Māori, Tahitian Mā’ohi, Hawaiian Māoli, Marquesans and New Zealand Māori, are a subset of the Austronesian peoples.

Did the Polynesians settle Fiji?

Melanesian and Polynesian Settlement. Austronesian peoples are believed to have settled in the Fijian islands some 3,500 years ago, with Melanesians following around a thousand years later. Archeological evidence shows signs of settlement on Moturiki from 600 BC and possibly as far back as 900 BC.

What was probably the last Pacific island to be settled?

Hawaii is reached in about AD 400; Easter Island perhaps a century later; Tahiti and the Society Islands in about 600. The last great step in man’s colonization of the planet involves the longest sea journey of all – thousands of miles southwest from the Marquesas or Tahiti to New Zealand.

Are Polynesians Pacific Islanders?

Pacific Islanders refer to those whose origins are the original peoples of Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Polynesia includes Hawaii (Native Hawaiian), Samoa (Samoan), American Samoa (Samoan), Tokelau (Tokelauan), Tahiti (Tahitian), and Tonga (Tongan).

Where did Pacific Islanders come from?

Pacific Islanders come from the islands of Hawaii, the U.S. insular territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, as well as the Freely Associated States of Micronesia and the tiny nations of the Marshall Islands and Palau.

Why was Fiji important to the British Empire?

By the 1860s Fiji was attracting European settlers intent on establishing plantations to capitalize on a boom in cotton prices caused by the American Civil War. On October 10, 1874, after negotiations had led to an offer of unconditional cession, Fiji became a British crown colony.

Who colonized Tonga?

British
To avoid German colonization Tonga became a British Protectorate in 1900, the status it held until full independence in 1970. All land in the country remains under the control of the royal family and the 33 noble families, who also dominate the Parliament.

Who settled first in Fiji and where were they from?

Austronesian peoples are believed to have settled in the Fijian islands some 3,500 years ago, with Melanesians following around a thousand years later. Most authorities agree that they originated in Southeast Asia and came via Indonesia.

How did humans get to Fiji?

Around 1500 BC Fiji was settled by Austronesian seafarers. By 500 BC, Melanesian seafarers had reached Fiji and intermarried with the Austronesian inhabitants, giving rise to the modern Fijian people. In 1643 AD, Abel Tasman sighted Vanua Levu Island and northern Taveuni.