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The First Europeans Arrive
In 1606 the first Europeans, the Dutch, arrived in Australia. They didn't settle there, because the Aborigines scared them away. -
Captain James Cook claims Australia for England
Captain James Cook sails around Austrlia and names one of the areas New South Wales. He also claimed the land for England, and ignored the Aborigines living there. -
Australia Becomes a Penal Colony
British was forced to stop sending prisoners to Georgia, so they thought that they could make Australia a penal colony. They sent out a group of ships called "First Fleet" with prisoners in 1777, and in 1788 the first British prisoner settled there. -
Government Makes Colony Boundaries
The government officials decide to make Australia colony boundaries, and the ones that were made are still in place today. -
British Stop Sending Australia Prisoners
The British stop sending prisoners to Australia in 1868. Many people have already set up businesses, trading posts, etc. -
An Act and a Constitution are Born
The Commonwealth of Australia was born, and joined six states under one constitution. The Immigration Restriction Act of 1901 was also passed, and this restricted migration to people that were mainly European. This was removed after World War 2. -
Aborigines Finally Gain their Well Deserved Rights
The federal government decide to pass a legislation to help the Aborigines. The Aborigines also changed Australia's history by demanding for rights such as: equal wages and the right to own their traitional land. -
Bye Bye British Empire
The Australian Act was put into play, and it cut off all legal connections to the British Empire ultimately allowing Australia to becoem a independent country. -
Australia Votes to become Independent Republic
55% of voters DID NOT want to become an independent republic. -
A New National Capital
Canberra is finally built and Melbourne becomes the former national capital while Canberra takes its place.
