Lesson 2: Colonialism as a Global System
Patterns of Extraction and Control: Connecting Aotearoa to the World
Lesson Overview
Focus
Recognizing colonialism as a global machine.
Key Concept
Imperialism & Extraction
Outcome
Identifying colonial patterns across different countries.
Karakia Timatanga | Cultural Opening
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata"
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.
Colonialism often prioritized profit and power over people. Today we look honestly at this history, not to feel guilty, but to understand the world we live in today.
Phase 1: The Rules of the Game (25 minutes)
📜 The Doctrine of Discovery
How did European kings and queens claim land that was already inhabited?
They invented a "game rule" called the Doctrine of Discovery. It said: "If you find land and the people there aren't Christian, you can claim it."
The 'Doctrine of Discovery' Explained
🗣️ Discussion:
- Is it fair to "discover" a place where people already live?
- How did this rule affect Māori in Aotearoa?
- How did it affect Native Americans?
Phase 2: Patterns of Control (30 minutes)
🔍 Same Story, Different Place
Colonial powers used the same playbook all over the world. Match the tactic to the place.
1. Changing the Names
Renaming places to claim ownership.
Aotearoa: Taranaki → Egmont
India: Mumbai → Bombay
Australia: Uluru → Ayers Rock
2. Taking the Children
Breaking connection to culture.
USA/Canada: Residential Schools
Australia: Stolen Generations
Aotearoa: Native Schools (Speaking English only)
3. Taking the Resources
Extracting wealth for the empire.
Congo: Rubber
India: Cotton & Spices
Aotearoa: Timber & Flax
Phase 3: The Cost of Greed (20 minutes)
Case Study: The Congo
King Leopold II of Belgium treated the Congo as his personal property. It is an extreme example of how colonialism hurt people.
Overview: Colonialism in Congo
Whakamutunga | Reflection
Journal Entry:
- "History isn't just in the past. It shapes our world today because..."
- Why is it important for Indigenous peoples to tell their own stories?
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui. (Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.)