Maori Warfare and the Revival Movement

Relations between the white colonists and the native Maori deteriorated after 1840.The Maori people felt threatened by the settlers’constant demands for more land and the rapid growth of the white population which surpassed the Maori population in 1858.Since the British government did not take any steps to protect their interests，the Maori began to organize for their own protection.The result was the King Movement，in which the Maori elected a king who would in turn appoint Maori magistrates to administer local affairs.The goal of the movement was to preserve Maori identity by exercising self⁃government over indigenous affairs and refusing to sell any more land.The white settlers felt that their development was obstructed by this and sometimes seized land by force.This led to the Waikato War in 1864，in which the Maori were defeated.The white government then forced the Maori to sell their land，or simply confiscated it in order to satisfy the demand from white settlers.The Maori had to live a marginal life of subsistence farming，gathering，hunting，and fishing.Their population dropped drastically due to exposure to diseases to which they did not possess immunity and the loss of their homes and traditional food sources.In 1896，the Maori population was less than a quarter of what it had been in 1840.

Maori culture experienced a revival at the beginning of the 20th century.A group of educated young Maori organized the Young Maori Party and tried hard to promote a sense of national pride among their people.At the same time，they encouraged the Maori to adapt to the European way of life.The party participated in the political system and some of its leaders became cabinet members in the early 20th century.They persuaded the government to allow Maori self⁃government in certain areas and promoted their native culture through development of the tourist industry.This movement won some sympathy from the white population，who tried to make amends for the past wrongs they had done.The cultural awakening achieved some success，and the Maori began to show signs of vitality again as their population started to increase due to high birth rate and better healthcare.