Russian Admiral Refers to Southern Islands as Cook Islands

The southern island group, initially referred to as the "Hervey Islands" after the 3rd Earl of Bristol, gained further recognition in the early 19th century when Russian Admiral Adam Johann von Krusenstern labeled them as the "Cook Islands" in his work, _Atlas de l'Ocean Pacifique_. This designation marked a significant shift in the islands' nomenclature, reflecting the growing interest in the Pacific region during this period. The term "Cook Islands" was not universally adopted until the early 20th century, when the islands were formally annexed by New Zealand. This annexation was solidified by the New Zealand parliament's passage of the _Cook and Other Islands_ legislation, which established the islands as part of New Zealand's territory. The transition from the Hervey Islands to the Cook Islands illustrates the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Pacific and highlights the influence of European exploration and colonialism on the region's identity.