Captain James Cook’s voyages to the Pacific Ocean played a significant role in initiating European colonization, which ultimately led to devastating consequences for Indigenous peoples across the region. While Cook himself may not have been directly responsible for the widespread genocide and displacement that followed, his expeditions paved the way for British imperialism and colonialism in the Pacific.
Cook’s detailed maps and charts of previously uncharted territories were invaluable to future explorers and contributed significantly to European geographical knowledge of the Pacific. However, this knowledge was later used to facilitate the colonization and exploitation of Indigenous lands. Within just two decades of Cook’s first sighting of Sydney, the peaceful way of life of the local Aboriginal people had turned into a nightmare of war, dispossession, displacement, social upheaval, and disease.
As Cook’s voyages progressed, his treatment of Indigenous peoples became increasingly harsh and violent. During his first voyage, Cook attempted to follow instructions to treat Indigenous people with respect and demonstrate British justice. He enforced rules among his crew to ensure respectful treatment of natives and even ordered public floggings of his men who mistreated Indigenous people. However, even during this early period, there were instances of violence, such as when Cook fired shots at Aboriginal people at Kamay (Botany Bay) after being confronted with spears.
On his second voyage, Cook’s approach remained relatively measured, with several peaceful encounters reported in various locations. However, signs of growing frustration with Indigenous customs and behaviors began to emerge.
By his third voyage, Cook’s treatment of Indigenous peoples had become markedly more severe. In Tonga, he ordered harsh punishments for perceived thefts, including floggings and the ransoming of offenders. Cook’s frustration with Indigenous people’s refusal to adopt Western concepts of property and “civilized” behavior led to increasingly cruel and violent treatment. He began to apply corporal punishment more frequently, both to his crew and to the Indigenous people he encountered. Cook’s actions during this voyage were described as “guilty of great cruelty” even by his men.
Cook’s legacy remains highly controversial, particularly in light of the long-term impacts of colonization on Indigenous communities. In recent years, statues of Cook have faced calls for removal and have been targets of vandalism. In 2025, just days before Australia Day, a statue of Cook in Sydney was defaced with red paint and had its hand removed. This act of vandalism reflects the ongoing debate surrounding Cook’s role in Australian history and the broader conversation about the celebration of Australia Day, which many Indigenous people and their allies view as a day of mourning rather than celebration.
Critics argue that Cook was a “true savage” who brought murder, rape, disease, and colonialism to native peoples across the Pacific. While some historians contend that this view is overly simplistic, it is undeniable that Cook’s voyages set in motion a chain of events that had catastrophic consequences for Indigenous populations. Cook’s actions and their long-term implications continue to be debated by historians and the public alike. While some still view him as a great explorer and navigator, others see him as a symbol of colonial oppression and cultural destruction. The ongoing controversy surrounding Cook’s legacy highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of history that acknowledges both his achievements and the devastating impact of European colonization on Indigenous peoples.