History Of Australia Essay, Research Paper

History of Australia 1901 2000

Between the years of 1901-2000, much occurred in the history of the proud, independent nation. Over more than 100 years ago, Australia fought the battle for federation against England. Australia proposed to be an independent, self-governed nation of six states and territories. Finally, on January 1st, 1901, Australia was proclaimed a federation at Centennial Park, Sydney.

Only 6 years later, in 1907, the federal Arbitration Court handed down the Harvester Judgement, a document outlining the concept of basic or family wage. This system was followed through until 1967.

In 1915, the soldiers of Australia fought in World War I. The country, as a whole, supported conscription, as many people believed in fighting for England. Many soldiers died in Gallipoli and on the Western Front between the years of 1916-1918. After the tragedy of war, Australia s attempt to introduce conscription for service of overseas nations was defeated at referendums held in 1916 and 1917.

In the late 1920s, depression struck the world. At first Australia thought that they were safe from disaster, but connections through import/export markets to overseas eventually led to Australia falling as well. In 1933, Australia reached its peak unemployment figures. A third of the nation was unemployed.

During World War II, Australia feared invasion from the Japanese. The United States led a counter-offence operation and unified and mobilised troops in prepare for the invasion. When the war finally finished, Australia began a immigration program to strengthen the economy as well as populate the country. Australia became a multicultural society after 1945.

In 1949, Robert Gordon Menzies became prime minister in a coalition government, a government which was to remain in power until 1972. During the 1960s, Australia became involved in the Vietnam War. Wide opposition to the war eventually led to the fall of the Liberal-country coalition.

In 1972, Gough Whitlam led the Labor Party to power. His government then withdrew all remaining troops from Vietnam, a move widely supported. In 1975, the governor-general, seeing constitutional crisis, sacked Whitlam. The Liberal-Country coalition then returned to government in 1975, led by Malcom Fraser. And in 1983, Bob Hawke led the Labor Party back to office.

In 1992, Sydney was selected as the venue for the 2000 Olympic Games. In the late 2000s, Sydney held a spectacular Olympic Games. The great organisation was praised among the world.

Australia, a relatively new nation, had advanced quickly from the proclamation of the federation in 1901 to the Olympic Games in 2000. It had gained recognition and independence. Today Australia remains as one of the best places to live in. It s low population and large amount of land makes it an ideal place for immigration. We still celebrate Australia s federation and rejoice the advantages of a democratic government. Australia is proud.