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What did the aboriginals expect from the British? What did the British do instead?

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Final answer:

The Aboriginals in Australia had unclear expectations from the British, who instead disrupted indigenous lives and claimed lands. In India, British indirect rule created divisions and fueled nationalism. This demonstrates the complex and often exploitative nature of British colonial practices.

Step-by-step explanation:

The expectations of Aboriginals during the settlement of Australia by the British were not well documented, but generally indigenous peoples likely expected respectful engagement and perhaps hoped for the possibility of coexistence. However, the British, following the loss of their territories in North America and looking to expand their empire, treated Aboriginals in Australia and Maori in New Zealand in a manner similar to their treatment of Native Americans, often disrupting their lives, disregarding their sovereignty, and appropriating their land. Throughout the various colonies, the British would often attempt to impose their own systems of governance and belief, leading to a range of responses from the native populations, from cooperation to resistance. For example, in India, British rule created divisions within society, sometimes disrupting traditional power structures. Some Indigenous communities cooperated with the British, while others rebelled against what they saw as foreign domination. The strategy of indirect rule adopted by the British in India became problematic as it ultimately led to a growth in Indian nationalism and demands for independence, highlighting the complexity of colonial interactions.

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