New Guinea Plantation: A Classical Colony - Exploring the Political Economy from 1884 to the 1940s

Introduction
In this blog post, we will delve into the political economy of New Guinea Plantation, a classical colony, from 1884 to the 1940s. Drawing insights from the book "Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea" by Azim Amarshi, Kenneth Good, and Rex Mortimer, we will explore three key themes: the strong interest from Germany in establishing the plantation system, the serious shortage of labor that affected its growth, and the Australian mercantilism after 1914.

1. Strong Interest from Germany in Establishing Plantation System

During this period, Germany showed a significant interest in establishing a plantation system in New Guinea. The German colonial administration aimed to exploit the region's natural resources, particularly copra and rubber, for economic gain. The establishment of plantations was seen as a means to extract wealth and establish control over the territory.

2. Serious Shortage of Labor

One of the major challenges faced by the plantation system in New Guinea was the serious shortage of labor. The German administration struggled to attract sufficient labor to support the growth of plantations. Various factors contributed to this shortage, including the harsh working conditions, the remoteness of the region, and the resistance of indigenous populations to forced labor.

3. Australian Mercantilism after 1914

Following the transfer of New Guinea to Australian administration in 1914, a shift in economic policies occurred. Australia adopted a mercantilist approach, aiming to maximize its own economic benefits from the colony. This involved strict control over trade, favoring Australian businesses, and limiting the development of local industries. The focus shifted from plantation development to resource extraction, particularly minerals, which further impacted the growth of the plantation system.

Conclusion

The period from 1884 to the 1940s witnessed the establishment and development of the New Guinea Plantation system. The strong interest from Germany, driven by economic motives, laid the foundation for the plantation economy. However, the serious shortage of labor and the subsequent shift in economic policies under Australian administration posed significant challenges to its growth. The Australian mercantilist approach prioritized resource extraction over the development of local industries, further impacting the plantation system.

Understanding the political economy of New Guinea Plantation during this period provides valuable insights into the historical dynamics and challenges faced by the colony. It highlights the complex interplay between colonial powers, labor shortages, and economic policies that shaped the development of Papua New Guinea.

References:
Amarshi, A., Good, K., & Mortimer, R. (1979). Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea. JSTOR.

Citations:
[1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168873
[2] https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-and-papua-new-guinea-1966-1969.pdf
[3] https://youtube.com/channel/UC2yUJsXSFIv6T4y2bnCgNDA
[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/29790114
[5] https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/110281/4/b20702243-OTTO%20ONDAWANE.pdf
[6] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28919/political-economy-economic-reform-pac.pdf