History of misunderstanding: The colonization of New Zealand

Author

• William Rumbold

Date of Award

2011

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Ely, Christopher

Abstract

Through examination of first contact between the British Empire and the Maori natives of New Zealand, as well as the failed treaty attempt between the two, I aim to illustrate England’s role in the escalation of conflict between these two cultures. Although at first glance it appears that the war was an eventual escalation of previous tensions, I maintain that British officials in New Zealand had the resources and the knowledge to prevent the New Zealand land war. They used this knowledge to speed up the process of conquest. The British crown was trying to conquer the Maori through ambiguous treaties; when these failed, they initiated a war, in order to warrant a military presence in New Zealand and physically dominate the Maori.

Comments

Includes bibliography.

Recommended Citation

Rumbold, William, "History of misunderstanding: The colonization of New Zealand" (2011). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2010 - 2019. 82.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors_2/82

Extent

55 p.

Identifier

FA00003603