Samuel Wallis
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Samuel Wallis was a British naval officer who explored the Pacific Ocean in the 18th century. In 1767, he reached Tahiti, which he named King George III Island. His voyage was part of a period of increased European exploration in Oceania, following earlier journeys by figures like William Dampier. Wallis's discoveries contributed to the growing European interest in the region, which later led to more extensive explorations by navigators such as James Cook. Wallis's circumnavigation was a significant event in the charting of the Pacific.12
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Pacific IslandsThe 18th centuryIn 1767 Samuel Wallis and Philip Carteret followed, but their ships were separated as they entered the Pacific. Wallis reached Tahiti, more of the Tuamotus, and the Society Islands, while Carteret found Pitcairn Island and revisited the Solomons that Mendaña had visited, although he did not so…
Read MoreIn 1767 Samuel Wallis and Philip Carteret followed, but their ships were separated as they entered the Pacific. Wallis reached Tahiti, more of the Tuamotus, and the Society Islands, while Carteret found Pitcairn Island and revisited the Solomons that Mendaña had visited, although he did not so…
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French PolynesiaHistory of French PolynesiaSamuel Wallis in 1767 reached Tahiti, Moorea, and Maiao Iti. The Society Islands were named for the Royal Society, which had sponsored the expedition under Capt. James Cook that observed from Tahiti the 1769 transit of the Sun by the planet Venus. Cook reached Tubuai…
Read MoreSamuel Wallis in 1767 reached Tahiti, Moorea, and Maiao Iti. The Society Islands were named for the Royal Society, which had sponsored the expedition under Capt. James Cook that observed from Tahiti the 1769 transit of the Sun by the planet Venus. Cook reached Tubuai…
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