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What is happening in Australia in 1837CE
Sydney has developed slowly as a penal settlement, under the autocratic authority of the governors appointed by the British government, supported by his unit of soldiers. The soldiers are often given free land, and settle in Sydney as colonists. Freed convicts are also given land and, soon, free inhabitants outnumber convicts. Satellite penal colonies have been established in Tasmania (which later becomes a separate colony, 1825), Brisbane & Norfolk Island, and colony of free settlers in Western Australia.
After the initial settlement, the British colony was confined to the vicinity of Sydney for 25 years until, in 1813, a way across the Blue Mountains was pioneered. Settlers immediately drive their flocks of sheep & cattle inland, becoming the first of a class of “squatters” that will come to dominate the interior for decades to come.
The coming of European settlers has had a huge impact upon aboriginal society. The spread of European diseases has led to drastic declines in population. On the other hand, contact with Europeans has expanded and intensified already existing trading and manufacturing networks. New metal implements allow new food sources to be exploited, such as seals and dugongs, and deeper-sea fishing using dugout canoes has been introduced from South East Asia.
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South East Asia history 1837CE
The British are acquiring more territories in the region

New Zealand history 1837CE
The introduction of European firearms has led to fierce wars between the Maori tribes
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South East Asia history 1648CE
Europeans are beginning to make their presence felt in this region
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South East Asia history 1789CE
Dutch commercial and political influence now spreads far and wide throughout the islands and coasts of South East Asia

New Zealand history 1789CE
New Zealand is inhabited by a people of Polynesian descent, the Maoris
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South East Asia history 1871CE
European power is growing in South East Asia

New Zealand history 1871CE
New Zealand is now a part of the British empire
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South East Asia history 1914CE
The European powers have shared out most of South East Asia amongst themselves

North Africa history 1914CE
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South East Asia history 1960CE
The countries of South East Asia have become independent from their Western masters

New Zealand history 1960CE
New Zealand is a fully independent country within the British Commonwealth
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South East Asia history 2005CE
South East Asia has experienced dramatic economic growth

New Zealand history 2005CE
New Zealand has successfully re-orientated its economy away from reliance on Britain
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