Key Events and Concepts in Australian and World History

Industrial Revolution

A period of major technological and social change, seeing a shift from rural farming to urban factory work.

Agrarian Revolution

A period of technological improvement and increased crop production that led to population growth and displacement of farmers.

Main reason for Australia's founding as a penal colony

To solve Britain's overflowing prison problem, especially after the loss of the American colonies.

The 'First Fleet'

The 11 ships that departed from Great Britain in 1787 to establish the first European settlement in New South Wales.

The Triangular Slave Trade

A three-stage trade route between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the trading of goods for enslaved African people.

The Middle Passage

The horrific sea journey taken by slave ships from West Africa to the West Indies.

Convict transportation

The forced migration of convicted criminals from Britain to penal colonies, primarily in Australia.

Australia's reason for joining WWI in 1914

As a part of the British Empire, Australia felt a strong loyalty and obligation to support Britain in the war.

The ANZAC

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

Nature of warfare on the Western Front

Characterised by trench warfare, leading to a stalemate with high casualties and little territorial gain.

Conscription

Compulsory enlistment for state service, typically into the armed forces.

Australian conscription results

Both were narrowly defeated, meaning conscription for overseas service was not introduced in Australia during WWI.

Key roles of women during WWI

Worked as nurses (AANS), in factories (munitions, clothing), on farms, and led fundraising and comfort-fund efforts.

A major reason for the Allied victory in 1918

The entry of the United States into the war in 1917, providing fresh troops and resources.

The Western Front

The main theatre of war during WWI, stretching over 700km through France and Belgium.

The UN (United Nations)

An international organisation formed in 1945 (after WWII) to promote peace, security, and international cooperation.

The UDHR

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), a milestone document setting out fundamental human rights to be universally protected.

The Stolen Generation

The generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families by government agencies.

Assimilation

A government policy that expected Aboriginal people to be absorbed into white Australian society, abandoning their own culture.

Charles Perkins

An Arrernte and Kalkadoon man who was a key Aboriginal activist and leader of the 1965 Freedom Rides.

1965 Freedom Rides (Goal)

To expose the extent of racial discrimination and segregation faced by Aboriginal people in rural New South Wales.

Wave Hill Walk-Off (1966)

A strike led by Gurindji stockmen, led by Vincent Lingiari, protesting for equal pay and land rights.

1967 Referendum (Outcome)

Over 90% of Australians voted 'Yes' to count Aboriginal people in the census and allow the federal government to make laws for them.

The Mabo Decision (1992)

A High Court ruling that recognised the land rights of Indigenous Australians, specifically acknowledging native title.

'Terra Nullius'

A Latin term meaning 'land belonging to no one', which was the legal concept used to justify British settlement and was overturned by the Mabo decision.