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Period: to
Exploration
Explorers visited Australia and charted the area. -
First settlement
British established first settlement in New South Wales, which includes New Zealand. -
Period: to
Convicts
160,000 convicts were sent to Australia. -
Name change
The country's name changed from New Holland to Australia. -
British territory
The whole of Australia is claimed as British territory. -
Gold rush
The Victorian Gold Rush begins. -
Men can vote
All men over age 21 in Australia are given the right to vote. -
Railroad
The Sydney–Melbourne railway opens. -
Depression
A severe depression begins in Australia. -
Federation
Australia becomes a federation. A federation is a group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs. -
Women can vote
Women are given the right to vote. -
World War I
Australian soldiers are sent to World War I. This was first time Australians had fought under the Australian flag, as opposed to Britain's flag. -
Qantas
The airline Qantas is founded. -
Vegemite
Vegemite is first produced. -
United Nations
Australia becomes a founding member of the United Nations. -
Voting age
The voting age is dropped from 21 to 18.