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The Dutch (Netherlands) sails to Australia
The Dutsh sailed to Australia in 1606, but they did not settle there. The Dutch made one landing, were attacked by Aborigines, and then abandoned further exploration. -
Captin James Cook sailed around Australia
Captin James Cook sailed around Australia in 1770. Cook named the area New South Wales. He ignored the aboriginies living there and claimed the land for England. -
England established a prison colony.
British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony. -
British prisoners settled in Australia
New South Wales became a prison colony and the British prisoners settled Australia. -
Period: to
New South Wales was officially a penal (prison) colony
New South Wales was officially a penal colony consisting mainly of convicts, marines guards, and the marines’ families. Only 20% of the first convicts were women -
Boundaries
Government oficials created 7 boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today. -
The commonwealth of Australia was established.
The commonwealth of Australia was established. Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed in 1927 -
Immigration Restriction Act of 1901
Immigration Restriction Act of 1901: restricted migration to people primarily of European descent. This was dismantled after the second World War. -
Federal government pass legistlation
In 1967 the federal government began to pass legistlation to help the Aborigines. It was widely seen as affirmation of the Australian people's wish to see its government take direct action to improve the living conditions of Aborigines. -
Australia Act
All legal ties with the Britsh Empire were served. -
Independence vote
55% of voters rejected the idea of becoming an idependent republic.
