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Six Colonies Were Made
In 1860 there were six British conlonies in Australia. All mian laws in the colonies were made by the British Parliment. -
Telegraphs
Telegraphs linking colonies -
Celebrating Ideas
People began celebrating the idea of being 'Australian' in songs and dance. -
Colonies Start to Discuss Federation
The premier of NSW, Henry Parkes convinced the other premiers to start discussing Federation at the Australian Federation Convention. -
Idea Of Federation Becomng Popular
The idea of federation was beginning to become more popular. -
Australaisian Recommends Convention
The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention be held to draft a constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia. -
Delay
Economic deppression means the colonial parliaments lose interest in federation. 1891-1894 -
First National Australasian Convention
The first national Australasian convention is held in Sydney and drafts a constitution. They also agreed to allow Australia to vote on whether they agree with the constitution. -
People's Conference
A people's conference in Corowa, NSW, urges the colonial parliments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution. -
New Federation Convention
A special premier's conference agrees to hold a new federation convention. -
Second People's Convention
A second people's convention in Bathurst, NSW, renews calls for another federation convention. -
Second National Australasian Convention
The second national Australasian Convention meets in Adeliade, Sydney and Melbourne, and agrees to the constitution. 1897-1898. Queensland were against federation and did not choose to take part in any conventions. -
Referendums
Referendums are held in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania to approve the constitution. It is endorsed by all but NSW. -
Secret Meeting
In January the premiers hold a secret meeting andagree to several changes to the constitution. -
Referendums
Between April and July referendums are held in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania at which a majority vote 'yes' to the bill. In September Queensland voters endorse the constitution. Queensland and Western Australia chose to not take part in the referendums. -
Delegation
In March a delegation travels to London to present the constitution to the British Parliment. -
Commonwealth
On 5 July the British Parliament passes the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Queen Passes Commonwealth
On 9 July Queen Victoria signs the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act. -
Voters Approve
On 31 July Western Australia holds a referendum at which an overwhelming majority of voters approve the Constitution. -
Australia Becomes an Independent Nation
On 1 Janurary 1901, the six British colonies on the island continent of Australia joined together to form an independent nation. -
Commonwealth Elections
On 29 and 30 March the first Commonwealth elections are held. -
First Parliment, Commonwealth, Australia, Exibition
On 9 May the Duke of Cornwall and York (later King George V) opens the first Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia in the Exhibition Building in Melbourne. -
World War 1
On 4 August 1914 Britian declared war on Germany. The next day Australia also declared war because Australia wanted to support their old country.