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History of Australia

By Alfred.SydneeE
  • The First Instance of European Exploration

    The First Instance of European Exploration

    In 1606, the Dutch began sailing out to Australia. Though, they were attacked by Aborigines and abandoned further exploration.
  • British Exploration in Australia

    British Exploration in Australia

    A man named James Cook sailed around Australia, naming it New South Wales. He claimed the land for the English, despite the presence of the Aborigines. His sailors also mapped Tasmania.
  • Penal Relations 1

    Penal Relations 1

    English ships called the "First Fleet" went to establish a prison colony in Australia, in hopes of keeping all of Britain's prisoners there.
  • Penal Relations 2

    Penal Relations 2

    After a year taking place, English prisoners finally settled in the new jails of Australia.
  • Period: to

    Penal Relations 3

    "New South Wales" was now officially a penal colony, consisting only of prisoners, guards, and the families of guards. Only 20% of the prisoners were biological women.
  • The Aborigines

    The Aborigines

    The natives of Australia, or what was left of them, were moved from their land and onto "Reserves," where they were forbidden to carry on the practices of their people.
  • Period: to

    Continuation of Penal Colonization

    British and Irish convicts had still been sent to Australia, and the prisons were no doubt very strict. Port Arthur had the strictest security measures, and some prisoners killed themselves to escape the prison.
  • Commonwealth of Australia

    Commonwealth of Australia

    By this period in time, the British were setting up non-prison colonies. These colonies became independent in some fashion, though Britain still kept up boundaries for them.
  • The "White" Australia

    The "White" Australia

    For many decades, a policy was put in place that Australia would remain fully Caucasian, and there was much disdain for colored people. There were also laws in place that separated the Aborigines from the whites in the colonies.
  • Period: to

    Commonwealth of Australia Established

    During January 1st, 1901, the Commonwealth of Australia was officially established. Melbourne was the national capital until Canberra was founded in 1927.
  • Equal Rights for Aborigines

    Equal Rights for Aborigines

    During this time, laws were passed to help the living conditions of the Aborigines. The Aborigines had even won successful land claims in response to people striking Aboriginal farmers. This would be seen as a first step to equality in Australia to many.
  • No More Great Britain

    No More Great Britain

    During 1986, the Australian Act was passed, and all ties with the Great Britain were cut. Up to now, Australia is a constitutional monarchy.
  • A Close Tie

    A Close Tie

    Almost more than half of the voters in Australia had rejected the idea of becoming an independent republic. Hopefully, this means that the government is having a good run.