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Which factor contributed to Britain establishing colonies in the Pacific islands? A. France paid for British explorers to settle in the islands. B. Spain sent British prisoners to the islands. C. A British captain explored the Pacific islands. D. Polynesisan navigators invited the British to establish a colony.

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

Britain established colonies in the Pacific primarily due to the exploration and settlement activities of British explorers. The Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British and the Maori marked the formal British sovereignty over New Zealand. Other nations played no role in funding or directing these explorations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The contribution to Britain establishing colonies in the Pacific islands can be most closely attributed to British explorers who explored and settled in these regions. Notably, in 1840, British colonizers and the Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi. The British did not colonize these areas because France or Spain funded British explorers or sent British prisoners, nor were they invited by Polynesian navigators to establish a colony.

Historically, colonization of the Pacific started with earlier claims by Sch countries like Spain and extended through increasing competition among emerging colonial empires, including France and Germany. Britain's colonization efforts were part of larger global ambitions, resulting in their control of lands in various parts of the world. This wave of imperialism was at its height during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which saw a rush among industrialized nations to claim territories across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

User Aahnik
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10 votes

Answer:

C. A British captain explored the Pacific Islands

Step-by-step explanation:

The main factor that contributed to Britain establishing colonies in the Pacific islands is that "A British captain explored the Pacific Islands."

This is evident in the fact that a British explorer or navigator known as James Cook explored the uncharted territory covering the Pacific Islands from the area of New Zealand to Hawaii around 1768 to 1779. His exploration knowledge led the Europeans particularly Britain to establish colonies in the region.

User Heiheihei
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