darcyfederation

Sir Earl Grey

Jan 1, 1847

Sir Earl Grey proposes a loose colonial federation

First Telegraph

Jan 1, 1858

Telegraph links Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

Australia linked by telegraph

Jan 1, 1876

All main Australian Cities linked by telegraph

Intercolonial Trade Union

Jan 1, 1889

Intercolonial trade union congress held; decision taken to put forward political candidates.

The Tenterfield address

Jan 1, 1889

Sir henry parkes makes his famous speech at Tenterfield in favour of federation

Uniform Defence Policy

Jan 1, 1889

Major General Sir Bevan Edwards suggests a uniform defence policy for the colonies

The Constitution Convention

Jan 1, 1890

First federal constitution convention held in Sydney

First Federation League Formed

Jan 1, 1893

First federation league formed; Corowa Conference and start of a popular federation movement.

First Referendum

Jan 1, 1898

First referendum on the federal constitution; passed by Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia and defeated by New South Wales.

Second Referendum

Jan 1, 1899

Second referendum held, following amendments to the constitution; passed by New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Queensland.

Referendum Passed

Jan 1, 1900

Referendum passed in Western Australia.

Australia becomes a Nation

Jan 1, 1901

Commonwealth of Australia proclaimed on 1 January 1901.