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In 1606, the Dutch sailed to Australia. However, when they landed, they were attacked by Aboriginal people and never came back to Australia,
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Significant events in Australia's history are mainly from 1606 to 1999.
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In 1770, Captain James Cook claimed the east coast of Australia for Great Britain, disregarding the original inhabitants.
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The first fleet of ships housing prisioners set sail from England in 1787. They were known as the "First Fleet" because they were the first set of ships to sail to Australia.
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In 1788, British ships with prisioners arrived to New South Wales, Australia to establish a penal colony.
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From 1788 to 1832, New South Wales was a penal colony. Until 1868, prisioners were transferred there for holding.
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From 1833 to around 1853, the most dangerous British and Irish criminals were put in Tasmania, an island off the coast of Australia. It was one of the highest security prisions.
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During the 1830s, Aborigines were forced into reservations. They were prevented from teaching their language and culture.
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During this this, the British government created boundries for each colony in Australia. These boundries are still in effect today.
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In 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was established, giving Australia the right to have its own government.
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To prevent immigrants, Australia established the Immigration Restriction Act in 1901, to prevent immigration except to Europeans.
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Melbourne was the capital of Australia until 1927, when Canberra was created. Canberra became capital city of Australia as of 1927, and still is the capital today.
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Many aboriginal people were killed and slaughtered around 1930. The population went from the thousands to the hundreds during this time.
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In 1986, the Australia Act cut ties from Britain. However, Australia today is a parliamentary democracy, and they have Elizabeth II as queen. She however, does not play a big role in Australia.
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In 1999, the idea of Australia becoming an independent republic was rejected by voters, 55% to 45%.
