What is Oceania? The region known as Oceania covers a massive portion of the Earth’s surface. However, much of this area is open ocean. How is Oceania Divided? • There are four basic regions within Oceania. • Micronesia: Mostly north of the equator and west of the International Date Line • Melanesia: Papua New Guinea and nearby island groups • Polynesia: Eastern and southern island groups • Australasia: Australia and New Zealand
• A common cultural heritage connects most of the island groups across the regions. • Australia and Papua New Guinea have more unique cultural origins. How Big is the Pacific Ocean?
Despite its vast size, Polynesian navigators were able to explore and settle even the most isolated of islands in the Pacific. How Did People Get to Oceania? • Polynesian Wayfinders (5:30) • Take notes on… • Navigational techniques • Time span of exploration • Possible reasons fro migration
How Did Polynesian Culture Originate? There debate over the exact origins of Polynesian culture. One thing that is certain is that the term Polynesian or Polynesia incorporates many tribes including Marquesans, Samoans, Niueans, Tongans, Cook Islanders, Hawaiians, Tahitians and Maori. These tribes are genetically linked to the indigenous peoples of Southeast Asia. Polynesia is a sub region of Oceania comprised of a grouping of over 1000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean in a triangle that encompasses New Zealand, Hawaii and Easter Island as it’s corners. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs. However, Polynesian languages vary slightly from each other, and in some cases they actually differ quite significantly. There are some words which are basically the same throughout all Polynesian languages—reflecting the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures. Moana (ocean) and mana (spiritual force and energy) are two terms that transcend all Polynesian cultures. These words are similar and this reflects how closely related Polynesian cultures are with the ocean, as they believe that the ocean guarantees life. Another shared aspect of Polynesian culture is tattooing. While the Maori people of New Zealand are perhaps best known for this practice, it is a highly developed art-form throughout Polynesia. Tattoo You: Polynesian Tattoo Activity What is Polynesian Culture Like? Bellwork: What legends exist in American culture? What purpose do these legends serve? The Legends of Maui Explained Watch, read, respond What is the purpose of these legends? What are the most important parts of the Polynesian world? What do they teach us about Polynesian values? Watch – Moana – Handout Worst Case Scenario: Oysters Rockefeller? 1. Bellwork: What is the worst experience you have ever had on a vacation? 2. Read: Michael Rockefeller 3. The Story Why Did Other Countries Want Oceania? • The search for spices brought Portuguese and Spanish explorers, traders and settlers to parts of Indonesia and scattered islands during the 1500s. • Over the next two centuries Dutch and then French and British interest expanded, but none of them were that interested in actual conquest. • Australia became an official British penal colony in 1788 and New Zealand joined the empire in 1840. France seized New Caledonia as a penal colony in 1853 and claimed Tahiti and nearby islands in the 1880s in hopes of building a Central American canal. • However, the rest of the Pacific islands were mainly claimed as spheres of influence since distance made control difficult. Why Did Other Countries Want Oceania?
• The opening of the Panama Canal and rise of Imperial Germany changed things. • Pacific islands were now seen as more valuable since they were needed as refueling and supply stations for trade routes with China. Britain, France, Germany and the U.S. began a rush of annexations. • France ruled these claims directly while Britain allowed local rulers to remain. • Soon the islands also became valuable for resources such as guano, nickel, sugar, vanilla and fruit. • In the years since World War II many Pacific colonies have gained independence, but many remain under British, French or American control. How did the Cold War Affect Oceania? Just Another Day in Paradise Pacific Atomic Testing 1. Atomic Café – Bikini Atoll 1. 11:30 – 16:45 2. 44:20-47:52 2. Bikini Atoll Events & Legacy 3. Bikini Atoll https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pDQ6X4WixYE Today Questions after Reading “Bikini Atoll Handout”
1.) What is Bikini Atoll? (2-3 sentences)
2.) What was the result of the Nuclear Testing done by the U.S. at Bikini Atoll? (2-3 sentences)
3.) Should the U.S. have compensated the people who lived in Bikini Atoll? Why or why not? (3-4 sentences) What is Polynesian Culture Like? Bizarre Foods Samoa Choose your menu. You must choose two things you would eat and one you would never touch even if facing starvation. What does their food teach us about Polynesian culture? What is the relationship between culture and environment?