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Economic Boom
The 1880s were years of excessive borowing, economic growth and speculation. Building booms reached a peak, and it was no coincidence that the first steps towards federation were taken in the confident atmosphere of this decade. -
Centennial Celebrations
The 100th Anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet in Sydney. At this time the citizens are telling us what is important to them at the time, how they see themselves, and what they value. They are telling us what they want others to see in them. They are representing themselves to the world. -
Parkes' Tenterfield speech
In 1889 the move towards Federation gained new momentum with Parkes' Tenterfield speech - his report stressing the need for a united defence system. The "security and integrity" of the colonies are being taken into account through this speech - making it clear that the united defense of Australia was a priority in building the continent to be a secure place for the future. -
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Depression and Strikes
In the early 1890's the Australian colonies were thrown into a severe economic depression. Farmers and squatters were hit by drought and falling prices in their produce. Rising unemployment rates destroyed bargaining powers and strikes followed. The employers fought for "freedom of contract", and to retain union rates and conditions - because the colonial governments supported the employers - unionists lost the struggle, and it took ten years for them to regain their strength. -
The National Australasian Convention
Parkes' speech had the desired effect, and the Premiers came together to frame a constitution - it's purpose being to "consider and report upon an adequate scheme for an Australian Constitution". However, the problems associated with the depression of the early 1890s brought the move to Federation to a halt. -
The Corowa Meeting
The Federation Leagues and the Australian Natives Association worked to promote Federation to the people. The importance of this meeting was that it was the first time it created popular involvement in the Federation. -
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The 1897 Convention
Unlike the first convention, the delegates were chosen by popular vote - a new constiution was written, which was going to be put to a popular vote itself. -
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The 1898, 1899 and 1900 referenda
A series of referendums on the proposed constitution were held in the six states that were to become the Commonwealth of Australia - after a series of revisions and disagreements the legislation became the most important of Australia's history, allowing the colonies to govern in their own right. -
Queen Victoria's Royal Commission of Assent
The "birth certificates" of the Australian nation, the key instruments of the Commonwealth. -
Federation Ceremony
The ceremony tells us important clues about the people of Australia, and what they had selected to emphasise themselves in the procession, and more importantly what they had chosen to overlook.