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Aborigines invent the boomerang. This wooden weapon, which is used for hunting, returns to its thrower.
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Australia is claimed by Britain.It settles the first of six colonies in 1788.
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British Navy captain Arthur Phillip founds a penal settlement in Sydney, Australia. He arrived with about 800 convicts in 11 vessels.
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South Australia is established. Its capital is Adelaide.
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People find gold in Southern Australia. Entire settlements are abandoned as settlers race to find gold.
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Australia becomes the first country ever to introduce the secret ballot - or the Australian ballot - in elections.
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The colonies of Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Southern Australia choose to unite to become the Commonwealth of Australia. The C of A has a democratic government, and Britain's royalty has only a ceremonial role.
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World War 1 breaks out. Australia commits hundreds of thousands of troops to the British war effort.
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Australia follows Britain's lead and declares war on Nazi Germany.
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Australia commits troops to the US war effort in Vietnam.
