A map of New Zealand drawn by Captain James Cook. Cook was a British explorer, cartographer and navigator who charted much of the Pacific region during his voyages there.

Overview of learning pathway three

In this learning pathway we start to think about when Europeans started to explore and colonise the Asia-Pacific region.

You should think about the patterns of European colonisation in the region, the impacts it had in the immediate aftermath, and the ongoing legacies for those living in the region today.

objectives

Objectives

On successful completion of this section, you will be able to:

  • identify 18th century European perceptions of Asian and Pacific landscapes and peoples,
  • explain early patterns of European interaction with the indigenous populations of the Asia-Pacific region,
  • evaluate the persistence of 18th century attitudes and values concerning the Asia-Pacific in the contemporary era.