Why did Britain take over Fiji?

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.

When did the British leave Fiji?

Europeans visited Fiji from the 17th century, and, after a brief period as an independent kingdom, the British established the Colony of Fiji in 1874. Fiji was a Crown colony until 1970, when it gained independence as the Dominion of Fiji.

Does Britain still own Fiji?

Fiji gained independence from British rule in October 1970 and established a parliamentary democracy. In 1987, however, intra-country clashes between political parties representing the majority ethnic Fijian population and ethnic minority communities, most notably Indo-Fijian, led to a military coup d’état.

Why did Indians leave Fiji?

More than 70,000 Indians left Fiji after the last coup in 1987, because of the oppression. Mr Ali believes that the ethnic Indian community is being victimised because of its relative prosperity, acquired through hard work, as well as its unexpected success in the last general election in 1999.

Who stopped cannibalism in Fiji?

Thomas Baker (missionary)

Why is Fiji called Fiji?

The nickname “Fiji” came from the Phi Gams at New York University, when they were trying to decide the name for a fraternity-wide magazine and “Fee Gee” was suggested (a play on the Greek letters Phi and Gamma). In 1894, Fiji was adopted as the fraternity-wide nickname for Phi Gamma Delta.

What race are Fijian Indians?

Most indigenous Fijians, dark-skinned people who are ethnically Melanesian, either scrape out a living as subsistence farmers or work for ethnic Indian bosses. Far from expressing resentment, many are quick to say they admire the Indian culture, which ethnic Indians have clung to through the generations.

What is a cannibal fork?

The cannibal fork, or iculanibokola, was used by attendants during ritual feasts to feed individuals considered too holy to touch food. These forks arose for several reasons. First is a cultural taboo that prohibits chiefs and priests from touching food with their hands.

How and why was Thomas Baker killed in Fiji?

The incident occurred in the Navosa Highlands of western Viti Levu in July 1867, and the rock used to kill Baker is still displayed in the village of Nabutatau. Records show that Baker was killed and eaten as a result of him touching a chief’s head, which is considered disrespectful in Fijian culture.

What led to Fiji being under British rule?

Christian missionaries arrived during 1830’s and spread their influence to most parts of Fiji. However, it seemed that it was the sole mistake of the Fijians which led them to be under the British colony. On 1849, Fijian natives burnt down the trading store and loot an American settler.

What are the major problems between Fiji and Australia?

The first major problem will be the land issue, which involves a clash of interests between the two communities in the very important sugar industry. Australia has a strong interest in a politically stable and economically prosperous Fiji and in seeing Fiji take on a more prominent role in Pacific affairs.

Why did the British not allow Fijians to enlist in the military?

On 21 September, the district police inspector took a number of Fijians to Wakaya, and Graf von Luckner, not realising that they were unarmed, unwittingly surrendered. Citing unwillingness to exploit the Fijian people, the colonial authorities did not permit Fijians to enlist.

Did Fiji have indentured labour in WW1?

The great majority chose to stay. The Queensland Act, which regulated indentured labour in Queensland, was made law in Fiji also. Fiji was only peripherally involved in the First World War, which was fought mainly in Europe. More than 1,500 men volunteered for war service with British forces.