Fiji History

While various foreigners passed by the islands, they were explored in 1792 by William Bligh. At the beginning of the 19th century, foreign interest increased with the discovery of sandalwood which was soon depleted. Methodism established itself with the conversion in 1854 of Fiji’s ruler, Ratu Seru Cakobau. Roman Catholic and Anglican missionaries had less success. Great Britain made Fiji a colony in 1874. From 1879-1916, the British brought in indentured Indian laborers to work on sugar plantations and who then remained even though they had limited political and economic rights at the time. Fiji was occupied by Allied forces during World War II. The Indian minority refused to cut their cane at the low prices offered and became tainted in the perception of native Fijians. Indians outnumbered Fijians in 1943, but all colonial authorities were Fijians and only Fijians served in the army. The islands became independent in 1970. In recent decades Indians and Fijians have contested political power. A coup in 1987 imposed military rule and led to an exodus of Indians. A new constitution was adopted in 1990 that concentrated power in the hands of Fijians but was replaced in 1998 by a constitution that provided for a multiracial cabinet. Civilian rule was restored in 1992 but again replaced by a military dictatorship in 2000.