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Dutch come to Australia
The Dutch arrive in Australia, being the first Europeans. They did not settle there because they were attacked by Aborigines. -
British come to Australia
British captain James Cook arrivesin Australia. He named New South Wales. He also ignored Aborignines living there and claimed the land for Britain. It would soon be used as a prison because it was impossible to escape, no other colonies, and few indigineous people. The Aborigines living there were not treated well. -
British Prisoners Arrive on "First Fleet"
British prisoners come to Australia on what was knwn as the "First Fleet". They establish a prison colony. -
Australian Government Sets Up Official Boundries
The governmeant of Australia sets up 7 official borders that are still in use today for independent colonies. Also, Melbourne served as a capital city until Canberra(today's capital) was completed. -
Commonwealth of AustraliaIia Is Established, Immigration Act is Signed
The Commonwealth is pretty much an extension of Great Britian. The Immigration Restriction Ac twas to help create a "White Australia". It stated that only Europeans could immigrate to Australia. This act was canceled after World War Two. -
Canberra is completed
The national capital city of Canberra was completed. Canberra is still the national capital. -
Aborigines Get More Equality
The federal government of Australia stepped in to help Aborigines gain land, higher wages, as well as better overall treatment. In March earlier that year, Aborigines working as farmers went on a very successful strike. -
All Legal Ties to Britian are Cut
The Australia Act is passed, which cut all legal ties with Great Britian. Australia is still a parlimentary democracy, as well as a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth is still a ceremonial leader, just like England. -
Voters Reject Republic
In a national vote, 55% of voters rejected the idea of becoming an independent republic.