Colonialism or colonisation is strongly connected to theories about race with a distinct typology of notions of 'barbaric' and 'civilised' races forming a chain of human evolution (Behrendt, 2009, p.7). As is evident in frequent referencing of Indigenous Australians, the British based their knowledge and conclusions of them as simply a barbaric and uncivilised race. .
The tools used during colonisation enable another country and/or it's people to overpower and dominate another. The tools used during colonisation of Australia had a deep impact on Indigenous Australians. These tools used by the British were technology, the introduction of diseases and culture with a specific emphasis on language (Kennedy, 2014). It was the ability of the British to use written and oral communication with other western countries, such as Europe that disadvantaged Indigenous Australians as they were not familiar with the concept of written language.
The ways and means by which Australia was colonized have been questionable throughout it's history. According to International law (1770), Britain could legally take possession of another country if:.
1: The country was uninhabited then Britain could claim and settle that country.
2: If already inhabited. Britain could ask permission from the inhabitants.
3: If country was inhabited, Britain could take over the country by invasion and conquest (Gorring, 2014).
It is now known that Britain did not abide by this international law and therefore it's claim of sovereignty was based on legal fiction and the myth of terra nullius. This is a pertinent point in the historical context of colonisation as it exemplifies the fact that whilst Britain claimed sovereignty over Australia, it's claim was based on legal fiction and the contested sovereignty has had disastrous and profound effects on Aboriginal people. These effects range from the atrocities of the stolen generation, limited housing, employment, health and education.