Black War

Quick Facts: Who was Black War?

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Black War

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Violent conflict between British colonists and Aboriginal Tasmanians (1824–1832).

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Black War was a period of violent conflict between British colonists and Aboriginal Tasmanians in Tasmania from the mid-1820s to 1832 which precipitated the near-extermination of the Indigenous population. The conflict was fought largely as a guerrilla war by both sides; some 600 to 900 Aboriginal Australians and more than 200 British colonists died. When a British penal settlement was established in Tasmania (then called Van Diemen's Land) in 1803, the Aboriginal population was 3,000 to 7,000 people. Until the 1820s, the British and Aboriginal people coexisted with only sporadic violence, often caused by competition for game and abductions of Aboriginal women and children by settlers. Conflict intensified from 1824, as Aboriginal warriors resisted the rapid expansion of British settlement over their land.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1828, the British declared martial law and in 1830 they unsuccessfully attempted to force hostile Aboriginal nations from the settled districts in a military operation called "the Black Line". In a series of "Friendly Missions" in 1830 and 1831, George Augustus Robinson and his Aboriginal negotiators - including Truganini - secured the surrender of the Aboriginal belligerents. Martial law was revoked in January 1832. Almost all of the remaining Aboriginal people were removed from mainland Tasmania from 1832 to 1835, and the 220 survivors were eventually relocated to the Wybalenna Aboriginal Mission on Flinders Island. Infectious diseases and a low birth rate cut the Aboriginal population at Wybalenna to 46 when the mission was closed in 1847.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The frequent mass killings and near-destruction of the Aboriginal Tasmanians are regarded by some contemporary historians as genocide. Others argue that the colonial authorities did not intend to destroy the Aboriginal population. The terms "Black War" and "Black Line" were coined by journalist Henry Melville in 1835. In the early 21st century, historian Lyndall Ryan has argued that the conflict should be known as the "Tasmanian War". She has also called for a public memorial to be commissioned to honour the dead on both sides of the war.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1803: 1803 Milestone — When a British penal settlement was established in Tasmania (then called Van Diemen's Land) in 1803, the Aboriginal population was 3,000 to 7,000 people.
2. 1824: 1824 Milestone — Conflict intensified from 1824, as Aboriginal warriors resisted the rapid expansion of British settlement over their land.
3. 1828: 1828 Milestone — In 1828, the British declared martial law and in 1830 they unsuccessfully attempted to force hostile Aboriginal nations from the settled districts in a military operation called "the Black Line".
4. 1830: 1830 Milestone — In a series of "Friendly Missions" in 1830 and 1831, George Augustus Robinson and his Aboriginal negotiators - including Truganini - secured the surrender of the Aboriginal belligerents.
5. 1832: 1832 Milestone — The Black War was a period of violent conflict between British colonists and Aboriginal Tasmanians in Tasmania from the mid-1820s to 1832 which precipitated the near-extermination of the Indigenous population.
6. 1835: 1835 Milestone — The terms "Black War" and "Black Line" were coined by journalist Henry Melville in 1835.
7. 1847: 1847 Milestone — Infectious diseases and a low birth rate cut the Aboriginal population at Wybalenna to 46 when the mission was closed in 1847.

Notable Quotes by Black War

“if not, they will be hunted down like wild beasts, and destro”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Black War

True or False: “The Black War was solely a conflict over land rights between two established nations.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The conflict involved British colonists expanding into Aboriginal territories, and the violence was fueled by competition for resources like game and sexual exploitation.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Black War