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Themes.
Interactions between humans and the environment By: Bailee L
People in Polynesia have been known for centuries as people who have really used the environment and nature around them to its full advantage.
| Examples
The people of New Guinea for example used the wood of the trees around them to create many sculptures that represented their gods and success at hunting. Way finders had to use the oceanic tides, stars, and weather to find their way from island to island
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Development and Interaction Between Culture By: Bailee L
During this time in history, 1450 to 1750, most Polynesian cultures had not yet come in contact with Europeans, however because of the way finders, they were often able to communicate with each other.
| Examples
Historical records show that the sweet potato, native to South America ended up on many islands by this time in history. This suggests that the Polynesians were able to find their way to even South America and back spreading crops and also their native languages.
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State Building, Expansion, and Conflict By Bailee L
At this time in history, expansion with the Polynesians was more focused on the growing populations of their islands and less on expanding to different islands. Although movement took place, civilizations usually stayed in the same area and had just the movement of ideas and some crops spread through their lands. Other societies had already begun their downfalls.
| Examples
A great example of this would be Easter Island, who by this time had been reduced to ruble by internal conflict and resource depletion.
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Creation, Expansion, and Interaction of Economic Systems By Bailee L
Some societies underwent changes in government because of their surrounding countries influence. Also, Polynesia and Australia had to undergo the process of being introduced to outsiders for the first time that really didnt change their economy, but possibly lead the way for change.
| Examples
Japan, like western Europe, emphasized a decentralized feudal system in
politics. But it copied many parts Chinese culture and some social
forms, including a more patriarchal approach to the status of women.
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Development and Transformation of Societal Culture By Bailee L
Japan had undergone reforms that changed social structure and degraded the status of women. Because of increased trade with outside influences, the status of women began to decline because patriarchal systems began to come into use.
| Examples
Main example of this would be Japan as previously stated above.
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