fijian history By jdoble Mar 3, 1500 first settlements Mar 3, 1643 first visit to fiji the dutch explorer Abel Tasman visites fiji while looking for the great southern continent Mar 3, 1822 First european settlements Oct 10, 1874 English colony begins Oct 10, 1970 Independence from Britain May 14, 1987 First military coup Sep 23, 1987 Second military coup Oct 7, 1987 Fijian republic is proclaimed