Social Studies Essay

In 1830 Māori and Europeans were living in New Zealand.
The behavior of the Whalers, the Missionaries’ desire to help protect
Māori rights and the Musket Wars were reasons that a treaty was needed.
The Declaration of Independence was another contributing factor to the
need for a treaty.

One reason that a treaty was needed was the lawless
behavior of some of the British Settlers like whalers. Before the 1800s
Whalers would spend months at a time on ships, therefore causing a major
thirst for alcohol and power. When they got to New Zealand they would get
drunk causing fights. Therefore a treaty would have helped the behavior
such as the fights and drinking.

Another reason that a treaty was needed was to protect Māori rights.
One group that felt strongly about this was the missionaries. This is important
because Maori were the first inhabitants and needed their rights for their
own country. Missionaries helped with that too. They thought Maori should
have their own rights for their own land.

Another reason that a treaty was needed was the Musket Wars. This
happened during 1807-1842. Over 20,000 people were killed during the
musket wars. One of the first tribes to get muskets was Nga Puhi. They
traded Food for muskets, as well as all the necessities and sometimes
even flax. The Muskets turned the Maoris into killing machines. The
treaty would have helped this, for peace and trades.

The final reason that a treaty was needed was the existence of the
Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was
finally finished on the 28th of October 1835. This was for Legal trading
purposes with only the British. 52 chiefs signed the Declaration of
Independence. The declaration only sought that only British and Maori
could trade but the Treaty was about the people that lived in New
Zealand. The treaty established the laws for the people that live in
New Zealand

In conclusion, a treaty was needed because of the behavior the whalers
and Maori showed to each other. As well as the Musket Wars and even
Maori rights. The treaty was needed as the whalers partying could have
gotten out of hand and the musket wars would be even bloodier.