Australian History (1850-1901)

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary reason for the Australian government's opposition to Chinese immigration in the late 19th century?

Concerns over the spread of diseases from China

Economic competition from Chinese businesses

Fear of Chinese military invasion

Cultural and racial prejudice against Chinese immigrants (correct)

What was the main goal of the 'protection' policies implemented by governments towards Aboriginal populations?

To provide education and healthcare to Aboriginal populations

To control and manage Aboriginal populations under the assumption of their incapability (correct)

To forcibly remove Aboriginal children from their families

To promote Aboriginal culture and identity

What was the outcome of the 1900 vote on federation in Western Australia?

WA was not involved in the vote on federation

WA voted no to federation with a late sign in 1900 (correct)

WA voted yes to federation

WA abstained from the vote on federation

What was the name of the first Prime Minister of Australia?

Edmund Barton (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for the removal of Aboriginal children from their families during the early years of federation?

To destroy Aboriginal culture and identity (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the gold rushes on the Australian population between 1851 and 1871?

The population grew from 430,000 to 1.7 million (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the law that was one of the first to be placed in Australia, reflecting a single British identity?

Immigration Restriction Act (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the experience of Indigenous Australian soldiers during World War I?

They were treated equally to other soldiers and assigned to various units (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Harvester Case in 1907?

It guaranteed a basic wage for workers. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason for Australia's desire to federate as a nation?

To eliminate the inefficiency of each state having its own laws and defence force. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the Pensions Act 1908 on Australian society?

It provided a pension for men over 65 and financial assistance. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why was Australia referred to as 'terra nullius'?

Because the British government acted as if it was uninhabited. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the experience of migrants coming to Australia?

They faced cultural adjustment and had to adapt to a new way of life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of European settlement on Aboriginal people?

They were forcibly moved to missions and reserves, and died from introduced diseases. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What was the typical working day like for Australians during the 19th century?

8 hours work, 8 hours play, 8 hours sleep. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of 1901 in Australian history?

It was the year Australia became a nation. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Australian History (1850-1901)

Period from 1850 to 1890 marked a boom time for Australian colonies, with increasing wealth for workers and investment.
Post-1890, banks failed, jobs were lost, and people lost their homes.
The Harvester case (1907) introduced a guaranteed basic wage, enough to support a man and his family.
The Pensions Act (1908) provided a pension for men over 65 and financial assistance.
The Maternity Allowances Act (1908) provided financial assistance to mothers.

Working Conditions

The typical day was divided into 8 hours of work, 8 hours of play, and 8 hours of sleep.
Males and females began working at 14.
A man's wage was twice that of a woman.
Women began working in 1942, during World War II.
Men were offered a pension if they lived to 65 or over.

Australian Self-Government

Influenced by the end of convict transportation and the growing proportion of free-born members.
Ideas inspired by the American War of Independence and the French Revolution.

Indigenous Australians

Australia was referred to as "terra nullius" because the British government acted as if the land was uninhabited, ignoring the Aboriginal people's presence.
Aboriginal people were forcibly moved to missions and reserves, intended to "civilize" and "Christianize" them.
They died from introduced diseases like smallpox, influenza, and measles.
Cultural practices were denied.

Federation and National Identity

Australia became a nation on January 1st, 1901, when 6 British colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia.
The inefficiency of each state having its own laws, defense force, railways, and trades led to federation.
The Immigration Restriction Act (White Australian Policy) was implemented to promote a single British identity.

Aboriginal Treatment and Policies

Aboriginal children were removed from their families in an attempt to destroy their culture and identity (the "Stolen Generation").
Segregation, displacement, and protection policies aimed to control and manage Aboriginal populations.
Assimilation policies encouraged Aboriginal people to adopt European customs, lifestyles, and Christianity.
Denial of rights, including voting, education, and healthcare.

Indigenous Australian Soldiers

Enlistment challenges included discrimination and barriers, but restrictions were relaxed over time due to increased demand for soldiers.
Trained alongside other soldiers and assigned to various units during World War II.

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Description

Explore the significant events and milestones in Australian history from 1850 to 1901, including economic booms, social reforms, and legislative changes.