The Impact of Primitive Accumulation on the Mandated Territory of Papua and Niugini (1884-1940s): A Study of Labor and Land

Welcome to the course on Papua New Guinea politics at the University of Papua New Guinea. In this course, we will explore the history, politics, and culture of Papua New Guinea. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of "Primitive Accumulation" and its impact on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to the 1940s under German and Australian administration, with a focus on the issue of labor shortage and land scarcity that affected the plantation economy. We will use the example of the New Guinea Kompagnie from 1878 to 1914.

Primitive Accumulation refers to the process by which capital is accumulated through the dispossession of land and the exploitation of labor. In the case of Papua and Niugini, the period from 1884 to the 1940s saw significant changes in the economic landscape under both German and Australian administration. The New Guinea Kompagnie, which operated from 1878 to 1914, played a crucial role in the plantation economy during this time.

1. Labor Shortage 

One of the key issues faced by the plantation economy in Papua and Niugini was a shortage of labor. The New Guinea Kompagnie, under German administration, relied heavily on indigenous labor for its plantations. However, the demand for labor exceeded the available workforce, leading to the recruitment of laborers from other parts of the region, such as the people from Melanesia and the Asian region (Malayia, Indonesia and parts of mainland Aisa). This influx of labor had a significant impact on the social and cultural dynamics of the region however the climate, temperature and the environment were not conducive to those that were brought in to work on plantation as many died of malaria and other disease associated with a temperate climate.

2. Land Scarcity

 Another challenge faced by the plantation economy was the scarcity of land. The New Guinea Kompagnie acquired large tracts of land for its plantations, often through coercive means. This led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the loss of their traditional lands. The limited availability of land for cultivation also hindered the expansion of the plantation economy.

The impact of Primitive Accumulation on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini during this period was profound. The dispossession of land and the exploitation of labor had far-reaching consequences for the indigenous communities and the overall development of the region. The plantation economy, although profitable for the colonial powers, perpetuated social inequalities and disrupted traditional ways of life.

In conclusion, the concept of Primitive Accumulation had a significant impact on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to the 1940s. The New Guinea Kompagnie, as an example of the plantation economy, exemplified the issues of labor shortage and land scarcity that affected the region. As we delve into the study of Papua New Guinea politics in this course, we will continue to explore the historical and political implications of such processes on the development of the region.

Citations:

[1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168873

[2] https://library.ucsd.edu/dc/object/bb4267480j/_1.pdf

[3] https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/87018/2005-12-19.pdf

[4] http://paddle.usp.ac.fj/collect/paddle/index/assoc/col005.dir/doc.pdf

[5] https://www.jstor.org/stable/2756119

[6] https://mro.massey.ac.nz/xmlui/bitstream/10179/2795/1/02_whole.pdf