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Books > History > Australasian & Pacific history > General
This book provides a rigorous and cross-disciplinary analysis of
this Melanesian nation at a critical juncture in its post-colonial
and post-conflict history, with contributions from leading scholars
of Solomon Islands. The notion of 'transition' as used to describe
the recent drawdown of the decade-long Regional Assistance Mission
to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) provides a departure point for
considering other transformations - social, political and economic
-under way in the archipelagic nation. Organised around a central
tension between change and continuity, two of the book's key themes
are the contested narratives of changing state-society relations
and the changing social relations around land and natural resources
engendered by ongoing processes of globalisation and urbanisation.
Drawing heuristically on RAMSI's genesis in the 'state- building
moment' that dominated international relations during the first
decade of this century, the book also examines the critical
distinction between 'state-building' and 'state formation' in the
Solomon Islands context. It engages with global scholarly and
policy debates on issues such as peacebuilding, state-building,
legal pluralism, hybrid governance, globalisation, urbanisation and
the governance of natural resources. These themes resonate well
beyond Solomon Islands and Melanesia, and the book will be of
interest to a wide range of students, scholars and development
practitioners. This book was previously published as a special
issue of The Journal of Pacific History.
This is the first international study of maternal care and maternal
mortality. Over the last two hundred years, different countries
developed quite different systems of maternal care. Death in
Childbirth is a meticulously researched analysis, firmly grounded
in the available statistics, of the evolution of those systems
between 1800 and 1950 in Britain, the USA, Australia and New
Zealand, and on the continent of Europe. Irvine Loudon examines the
effectiveness of various forms of maternal care by means of the
measurement of maternal mortality - the number of women who died as
a result of childbirth. His scholarly and comprehensive study sets
out to answer a number of important questions. What was the
relative risk of a home or hospital delivery, or a delivery by a
midwife as opposed to a doctor? What was the safest country in
which to have a baby, and what were the factors which accounted for
enormous international differences? Why, against all expectations,
did maternal mortality fail to decline significantly until the late
1930s? Death in Childbirth makes an invaluable contribution to
medical and social history.
This book examines the role of the international community in the
handover of the Dutch colony of West Papua/Irian Jaya to Indonesia
in the 1960s and questions whether or not the West Papuan people
ever genuinely exercised the right to self-determination guaranteed
to them in the UN-brokered Dutch/Indonesian agreement of 1962.
Indonesian, Dutch, US, Soviet, Australian and British involvement
is discussed, but particular emphasis is given to the central part
played by the United Nations in the implementation of this
agreement. As guarantor, the UN temporarily took over the
territory's administration from the Dutch before transferring
control to Indonesia in 1963. After five years of Indonesian rule,
a UN team returned to West Papua to monitor and endorse a
controversial act of self-determination that resulted in a
unanimous vote by 1022 Papuan 'representatives' to reject
independence. Despite this, the issue is still very much alive
today as a crisis-hit Indonesia faces continued armed rebellion and
growing calls for freedom in West Papua.
This is the first in-depth study of the sojourn in Sydney made by
Nicolas Baudin's scientific expedition to Australia in 1802.
Starbuck focuses on the reconstruction of the voyage during the
expedition's stay in colonial Sydney and how this sheds new light
on our understanding of French society, politics and science in the
era of Bonaparte.
This book is the first concise account of the history of the Fiji
islands from the beginning of human settlement to the early years
of the 21st century. Its primary focus is on the period since the
advent of colonial rule in the late 19th century to the present,
benefiting from the author's internationally acknowledged expertise
as a scholar and writer on the Fijian past. Besides factual
information, the book also offers a scholarly assessment of the
people and events which have shaped Fiji's history. The Historical
Dictionary of Fiji contains a chronology, an introduction,
appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section
has over 300 cross-referenced entries on important personalities,
politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This
book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone
wanting to know more about Fiji.
In the past decades historians have interpreted early modern
Christian missions not simply as an adjunct to Western imperialism,
but a privileged field for cross-cultural encounters. Placing the
Jesuit missions into a global phenomenon that emphasizes economic
and cultural relations between Europe and the East, this book
analyzes the possibilities and limitations of the religious
conversion in the Micronesian islands of Guahan (or Guam) and the
Northern Marianas. Frontiers are not rigid spatial lines separating
culturally different groups of people, but rather active agents in
the transformation of cultures. By bringing this local dimension to
the fore, the book adheres to a process of missionary
"glocalization" which allowed Chamorros to enter the international
community as members of Spain's regional empire and the global
communion of the Roman Catholic Church.
Through a literary lens, Neoliberalism and Cultural Transition in
New Zealand Literature, 1984-2008: Market Fictions examines the
ways in which the reprise of market-based economics has impacted
the forms of social exchange and cultural life in a
settler-colonial context. Jennifer Lawn proposes that postcolonial
literary studies needs to take more account of the way in which the
new configuration of dominance-increasingly gathered under the
umbrella term of neoliberalism-works in concert with, rather than
against, assertions of cultural identity on the part of
historically subordinated groups. The pre-eminence of new right
economics over the past three decades has raised a conundrum for
writers on the left: while neoliberalism has tended to undermine
collective social action, it has also fostered expressions of
identity in the form of "cultural capital" which minority
communities can exploit for economic gain. Neoliberalism and
Cultural Transition in New Zealand Literature, 1984-2008 advocates
for reading practices that balance the appeals of culture against
the structuring forces of social class and the commodification of
identity, while not losing sight of the specific aesthetic
qualities of literary fiction. Jennifer Lawn demonstrates the value
of this approach in a wide-ranging account of New Zealand
literature. Movements towards decolonization in a bicultural
society are read within the context of a marginal post-industrial
economy that was, in many ways, a test case for radical free market
reforms. Through a study of politically-engaged writing across a
range of genres by both Maori and non-Maori authors, the New
Zealand experience shows in high relief the twinned dynamics of a
decline in the ideal of social egalitarianism and the corresponding
rise of the idea of culture as a transformative force in economic
and civic life, tending ultimately to blur the distinction between
these spheres altogether. This work includes well-recognized
authors such as Alan Duff, Patricia Grace, Witi Ihimaera, Eleanor
Catton and Maurice Gee, but also introduces a number of
non-canonical or emergent writers whose work is discussed in detail
for the first time in this volume. The result is a distinctive
literary history of a turbulent period of social and economic
change.
Nineteen ninety-five is a year of celebration and remembrance of
the Axis collapse that signaled the end of the Second World War. In
August, the world will mark the 50th anniversary of V-J Day.
Particularly important, then, is this new historical study o the
Pacific phase of World War War II that coers not just the military,
but also the political side of the war. Rejecting recent trends
that tend to whitewash or demonize the Japanese, this book casts
new light on many controversial issues from Pearl Harbor to
Hiroshima. It treats the submarine campaign, the air attacks on
Japan, the use of the atomic bombs, and Japan's surrender in
unusual detail. Finally, it emphasizes that the war was primarily a
struggle for the air and sea.
A book about the past and present Pacific Islands, wide-ranging in
time and space spanning the centuries from the first settlement of
the islands until the present day.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation was
formally established in 1997 under the leadership of South Africa,
India and Australia. The demise of Apartheid, the fall of the
Soviet empire, and the rapid advance of globalization altered the
geopolitics of the Indian Ocean region in the early 1990s and
served as a catalyst in the creation of the IOR. This book
contextualizes the founding of the IOR by outlining the historical
aspects of economic ties across the Indian Ocean and previous
attempts to promote regional cooperation. The contributors to this
volume analyse the post-colonial ideological legacy, the political
and economic constraints caused by Apartheid and communism, the end
of protectionism and the problem of globalization. These major
themes in the history of the IOR are applied to what the future
holds for Southern Africa within this economic grouping, and
whether or not regional cooperation will manage to compete with
globalization. This volume will be of interest to scholars of
development studies, international relations, Third World studies,
and regional development.
Spanning the late 18th century to the present, this volume explores
new directions in imperial and postcolonial histories of
conciliation, performance, and conflict between European colonizers
and Indigenous peoples in Australia and the Pacific Rim, including
Aotearoa New Zealand, Hawaii and the Northwest Pacific Coast. It
examines cultural "rituals" and objects; the re-enactments of
various events and encounters of exchange, conciliation and
diplomacy that occurred on colonial frontiers between
non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples; commemorations of historic
events; and how the histories of colonial conflict and conciliation
are politicized in nation-building and national identities.
Australia's development, from the most unpromising of beginnings as
a British prison in 1788 to the prosperous liberal democracy of the
present is as remarkable as is its success as a country of
large-scale immigration. Since 1942 it has been a loyal ally of the
United States and has demonstrated this loyalty by contributing
troops to the war in Vietnam and by being part of the "coalition of
the willing" in the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 and in operations
in Afghanistan. In recent years, it has also been more willing to
promote peace and democracy in its Pacific and Asian neighbors.
This fourth edition of Historical Dictionary of Australia covers
its history through a chronology, an introductory essay,
appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section
has over 500 cross-referenced entries on important personalities,
politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This
book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and
anyone wanting to know more about Australia.
Professor Iriye analyses the origins of the 1941 conflict against
the background of international relations in the preceding decade
in order to answer the key question: Why did Japan, which had not
been able to defeat the isolated and divided forces of China,
decide to go to war against so formidable a combination of powers?
"Unlike cricket, which is a polite game, Australian Rules Football
creates a desire on the part of the crowd to tear someone apart,
usually the referee." This is only one of the entertaining and
astute observations the U.S. military provided in the pocket guides
distributed to the nearly one million American soldiers who landed
on the shores of Australia between 1942 and 1945. Although the Land
Down Under felt more familiar than many of their assignments
abroad, American GIs still needed help navigating the distinctly
different Aussie culture, and coming to their rescue was
"Instruction for American Servicemen in Australia, 1942," The
newest entry in the Bodleian Library's bestselling series of
vintage pocket guides, this pamphlet is filled with pithy notes on
Australian customs, language, and other cultural facts the military
deemed necessary for every American soldier.
From the native wildlife--a land of "funny animals"--to the
nation's colonial history to the general characteristics of
Australians--"an outdoors sort of people, breezy and very
democratic"--"Instructions for American Servicemen in Australia"
gives a concise yet amazingly informative overview of the island
nation. Regarding Aussie slang, it notes that "the Australian has
few equals in the world at swearing. . . . The commonest swear
words are 'bastard' (pronounced 'barstud'), 'bugger, ' and 'bloody,
' and the Australians have a genius for using the latter nearly
every other word." The pamphlet also contains a humorous
explanation of the country's musical traditions--including an
annotated text of "Waltzing Matilda"--as well as amusing passages
on sports, politics, and the Aussies' attitudes toward Yanks and
Brits.
A fascinating look at a neglected Allied front in the Southern
hemisphere, "Instructions for American Servicemen in Australia,
1942" follows its successful predecessors as a captivating
historical document of a pivotal era in history.
LARGE PRINT EDITION. Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen is a moving
personal portrait of a girl who grew up to become Hawaii's first
and only queen, a beloved monarch who fought for the rights of her
people. Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen is an autobiography by
Queen Lili'uokalani. Published in 1898, the book was written in the
aftermath of Lili'uokalani's attempt to appeal on behalf of her
people to President Grover Cleveland, a personal friend. Although
it inspired Cleveland to demand her reinstatement, the United
States Congress published the Morgan Report in 1894, which denied
U.S. involvement in the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen appeared four years later as a
final effort by Lili'uokalani to advocate on behalf of Hawaiian
sovereignty, but it unfortunately came too late. That same year,
President McKinley and the United States Congress approved the
annexation of Hawaii. In Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen,
Lili'uokalani reflects on her experiences as a young girl growing
up on Oahu, where she was raised as a member of the extended royal
family of King Kamehameha III. Born in Honolulu, she was educated
among her fellow royals from a young age. In addition to her
studies, Lili'uokalani developed an artistic sensibility early on,
and was fond of both writing and music. She crafted the lyrics to
the popular song "Aloha 'Oe" (1878), just one of the more than 100
songs she would write in her lifetime. Although her book was
unsuccessful as an attempt to advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and
the restoration of the monarchy, it has since been recognized as a
moving personal portrait of a girl who grew up to become Hawaii's
first and only queen, a beloved monarch who fought for the rights
of her people. With a professionally designed cover and manuscript,
this edition of Lili'uokalani's Hawaii's Story by Hawaii's Queen is
a classic of Hawaiian literature designed for the modern audience.
Add this beautiful edition to your bookshelf, or enjoy the digital
edition on any e-book device.
A trip across the Pacific turns into a life or death scenario when
the crew of the HMS Bounty stages a revolt against their commander.
The Bounty Mutiny tells the controversial story of the mutineers
and the acting lieutenant who sparked a movement. Commanding
Lieutenant William Bligh was instructed to use the HMS Bounty to
transport breadfruit plants to the West Indies. He worked alongside
skilled colleague Fletcher Christian, who was selected to be acting
lieutenant. During their time at sea, the crew experienced many
challenges with complaints of abuse and tyranny at the hands of
Bligh. This eventually leads to a mutiny, in which Christian and
the crew take control of the vessel. This harrowing tale is one of
the most adapted events of all-time. Over the past century, it has
been interpretated across multiple mediums including five feature
films starring George Cross, Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, Marlon
Brando and Anthony Hopkins. It's an enduring story that continues
to fascinate and provoke the masses. With an eye-catching new
cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The
Bounty Mutiny is both modern and readable.
Depicted by the man himself, The Journals of James Cook is an
intimate first-hand account, providing an uncensored and reliable
narrative of adventures spanning across the globe. The Journals of
James Cook depict three of Captain James Cook's most glorious
expeditions, starting in 1768 and leading to Cook's tragic death in
1779. Having ventured all over the Pacific, Cook encountered lands
not yet charted by the British. Though his discoveries and maps
inadvertently led to British colonization, Cook held a deep respect
for the native people he encountered. He recorded their practices
and wrote of them fondly. Cook even befriended some of the native
people he encountered, including a Tahitian man who, after hearing
of Cook's homeland, wanted to visit it as well. Per the man's
request, Cook sailed him to Britain, where the man stayed until he
and Cook sailed back to Tahiti three years later. After charting
Australia, and the whole coast of New Zealand, Cook was involved in
a plot to kidnap a Hawaiian monarch and ransom them in order to
recover stolen property. He was killed during this expedition,
leaving behind a legacy of a detailed description of the Pacific
Ocean and its coasts. James Cook's expeditions around the world and
his detailed and innovative work as a cartographer inspired
advancements in scientific, medical, historical and geological
fields. His influence has also reached the literary world,
inspiring novel series and characters, including the infamous
Captain Hook. Exuding ambition, courage, and confidence, The
Journals of James Cook provide a privileged peak into the travels
and accomplishments of an adventurous, and invaluable man. Packed
with wonder but free of imperialistic arrogance, The Journals of
James Cook serve as a valuable an intriguing primary source of a
time when places in the world were yet to be mapped. Now presented
in an easy-to-read font and redesigned with a stunning new cover,
James Cook' The Journals of James Cook is accommodating to
contemporary readers, providing a fresh version of the esteemed
literary work while preserving its wonders and adventures.
From an eminent and provocative historian, a wrenching parable of
the ravages of colonialism in the South Pacific. Countless museums
in the West have been criticized for their looted treasures, but
few as trenchantly as the Humboldt Forum, which displays
predominantly non-Western art and artifacts in a modern
reconstruction of the former Royal Palace in Berlin. The Forum's
premier attraction, an ornately decorated fifteen-meter boat from
the island of Luf in modern-day Papua New Guinea, was acquired
under the most dubious circumstances by Max Thiel, a German trader,
in 1902 after two decades of bloody German colonial expeditions in
Oceania. Goetz Aly tells the story of the German pillaging of Luf
and surrounding islands, a campaign of violence in which Berlin
ethnologists were brazenly complicit. In the aftermath, the
majestic vessel was sold to the Ethnological Museum in the imperial
capital, where it has remained ever since. In Aly's vivid telling,
the looted boat is a portal to a forgotten chapter in the history
of empire-the conquest of the Bismarck Archipelago. One of these
islands was even called Aly, in honor of the author's
great-granduncle, Gottlob Johannes Aly, a naval chaplain who served
aboard ships that helped subjugate the South Sea islands Germany
colonized. While acknowledging the complexity of cultural ownership
debates, Goetz Aly boldly questions the legitimacy of allowing so
many treasures from faraway, conquered places to remain located in
the West. Through the story of one emblematic object, The
Magnificent Boat artfully illuminates a sphere of colonial
brutality of which too few are aware today.
Stuart Macintyre, one of Australia's most highly regarded
historians, revisits A Concise History of Australia to provoke
readers to reconsider Australia's past and its relationship to the
present. Integrating new scholarship with the historical record,
the fifth edition of A Concise History of Australia brings together
the long narrative of Australia's First Nations' peoples; the
arrival of Europeans and the era of colonies, convicts, gold and
free settlers; the foundation of a nation state; and the social,
cultural, political and economic developments that created a modern
Australia. As we enter the third decade of the twenty-first
century, Macintyre's Australia remains one of achievements and
failures. So too the future possibilities are deeply rooted in the
country's past endeavours. A Concise History of Australia is an
invitation to examine this past.
Germans in Tonga is the culmination of an eight-year research
project in which the author and his team of researchers gathered
biographical material on Germans in Tonga. There are four main
sources: the British Consul Tonga files, held in the Western
Pacific Archives of the University of Auckland Library Special
Collections; the Defence Department Enemy Aliens files and Aliens
Records held at Archives New Zealand in Wellington; the Archives of
the German Foreign Office (Auswartiges Amt) in Berlin; and the
Ministry of Justice Archives in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. The volume
contains short biographies of over 350 Germans in Tonga born over a
110-year period between 1822 and 1932 and features an introduction
by the author on the historical background to the German connection
with Tonga.
Freedom's Captives is a compelling exploration of the gradual
abolition of slavery in the majority-black Pacific coast of
Colombia, the largest area in the Americas inhabited primarily by
people of African descent. From the autonomous rainforests and gold
mines of the Colombian Black Pacific, Yesenia Barragan rethinks the
nineteenth-century project of emancipation by arguing that the
liberal freedom generated through gradual emancipation constituted
a modern mode of racial governance that birthed new forms of social
domination, while temporarily instituting de facto slavery.
Although gradual emancipation was ostensibly designed to destroy
slavery, she argues that slaveholders in Colombia came to have an
even greater stake in it. Using narrative and storytelling to map
the worlds of Free Womb children, enslaved women miners, free black
boatmen, and white abolitionists in the Andean highlands, Freedom's
Captives insightfully reveals how the Atlantic World processes of
gradual emancipation and post-slavery rule unfolded in Colombia.
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