Chapter 3: The Decline of Aboriginal Society Summary and Analysis

The English settled in and were told they could claim any land that they liked. The wealthier and more influential people had first choice. They were encouraged to continue the customs of the English culture. The Nyungar people saw the writing on the wall. They could see that their society was being destroyed and that their land was being stolen from them. The hunters in the tribe were having trouble because much of the land was now fenced off. When they tried to cross the fencing, the white men would threaten to shoot them.

Since their food supply was being cut off and hunger was a growing problem, several tribal hunters speared one of the white men's sheep. The men were arrested, tried for breaking English law and sentenced to prison...