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Period: to
Australia
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60,000-40,000 B.C.
People from Southeast Asia settle in Australia. Their descendants are the Aboriginal people. -
8000 B.C.
Aborigines invent the boomerang. This wooden weapon, which is used for hunting, returns to its thrower. -
1770 A.D.
Britain claims Australia. It settles the first of six colonies in 1788. -
1850s
Gold is found in southern Australia. Entire settlements are deserted as folks rush to the gold mines. -
1901
The six colonies join to form the Commonwealth of Australia. It has a democratic government. Britain's royalty has only a ceremonial role. -
1927
Canberra officially replaces Melbourne as the nation's capital. -
1962
Aborigines are given the right to vote. Five years later, they're recognized as citizens. -
1976
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act is passed. It is a legal turning point for Aborigines, giving them the right to make claims on their ancestral land in the Northern Territory. Nine years later, Uluru is returned to Aborigines. -
2000
Sydney hosts the Summer Olympic Games. -
2008
The Australian parliament formally apologizes for past wrongs committed against the Aboriginal people.