Missionaries get credit and blame for colonization, but economic interests usually move the whole thing forward. Check out this footage from the 1930's of Aussies brought to the highlands of New Guinea by the Gold Rush. I found the Native's recounting their first sighting of white men -- as well as the memories of the white men on first encountering the Highlanders -- especially interesting.
Of course, it wasn't only mineral resources the Europeans came for. Since they'd arrived in the lowlands centuries ago, planters were king. If one was in possession of enough land, planted correctly, retaining enough cheap labor to bring it through the growing season to market, you stood to make a few coins.
Of course, it wasn't only mineral resources the Europeans came for. Since they'd arrived in the lowlands centuries ago, planters were king. If one was in possession of enough land, planted correctly, retaining enough cheap labor to bring it through the growing season to market, you stood to make a few coins.
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