Im wondering how feasible it would be to have an early settlment of the Australian mainland by Polynesians.
These polynesians would be bring with them the navigational expertise to begin widespread exploration of the continent forming pockets of civilization along the Eastern coast whilst forming a strong base in South-East Australia.
Like the multitude of tribes in the continent the would war with and form alleigences with the idigineous people but remain fairly intact in term of their polynesian heritage and culture.
Im estimating that this would add around 500 000 people on the continent at the time of white settlment.
WI (as was the case for the Maorists in NZ) English colonist were unable to overwhelm the Australian Polynesians prompting a treaty with Britain rather declaring the place terra nullus (uninhabited) and trying to wipe out the natives.
At this POD, the Maorists may:
- Establish a homeland and remain neutral from colonization
- Activately take part in resisting the Brits in a united front with Aboriginal Aust tribes
- Actively assist the Brits in quelling Ab resistance in exchange for land rights
How might these various senarios play out and what impact could they have in the future for Australia and Polynesian peoples throughout the broader region?
These polynesians would be bring with them the navigational expertise to begin widespread exploration of the continent forming pockets of civilization along the Eastern coast whilst forming a strong base in South-East Australia.
Like the multitude of tribes in the continent the would war with and form alleigences with the idigineous people but remain fairly intact in term of their polynesian heritage and culture.
Im estimating that this would add around 500 000 people on the continent at the time of white settlment.
WI (as was the case for the Maorists in NZ) English colonist were unable to overwhelm the Australian Polynesians prompting a treaty with Britain rather declaring the place terra nullus (uninhabited) and trying to wipe out the natives.
At this POD, the Maorists may:
- Establish a homeland and remain neutral from colonization
- Activately take part in resisting the Brits in a united front with Aboriginal Aust tribes
- Actively assist the Brits in quelling Ab resistance in exchange for land rights
How might these various senarios play out and what impact could they have in the future for Australia and Polynesian peoples throughout the broader region?