The concept of "terra nullius" was used by European colonizers to justify

The correct answer is Land appropriation from indigenous people.

Key Points

• The term "terra nullius" translates to "land belonging to no one," implying that land is uninhabited or unused, thus available for appropriation.
• European colonizers used the concept of terra nullius to justify seizing land from indigenous populations by declaring such territories "empty" or unclaimed.
• This legal doctrine ignored the existence and rights of indigenous people, who often had rich cultural, spiritual, and economic ties to the land.
• Historical examples include the colonization of Australia, where the British declared the land terra nullius despite Aboriginal peoples living there for tens of thousands of years.
• The doctrine of terra nullius was later challenged and invalidated in various legal systems, such as the landmark Mabo decision in Australia (1992), which recognized native land rights.

Additional Information

• Colonial Expansion
  • European powers engaged in aggressive territorial expansion during the Age of Exploration (15th-17th centuries).
  • Doctrines like terra nullius and the "Doctrine of Discovery" were used as tools for legitimizing colonial rule.
  • These policies often led to the dispossession, exploitation, and marginalization of indigenous populations globally.
• Indigenous Land Rights
  • Indigenous land rights refer to the legal and moral recognition of native people's ownership, stewardship, and cultural connection to land.
  • Various international bodies, such as the United Nations, advocate for the protection and restoration of indigenous land rights.
  • The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) emphasizes the need for governments to respect indigenous sovereignty over their lands.
• Mabo Decision
  • The Mabo decision (1992) by the High Court of Australia overturned terra nullius in Australia.
  • It recognized native title and affirmed that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had lived in Australia long before British colonization.
  • This landmark case established legal precedents for indigenous land claims globally.
• Impact of Colonization
  • Colonial policies like terra nullius caused widespread displacement of indigenous communities.
  • Loss of land often resulted in economic, social, and cultural disruptions for native populations.
  • Efforts to reclaim indigenous lands continue to be a critical issue in post-colonial societies.