humanities - Rights and freedoms

what does terra nullius mean and how was it used by the government?

Terra nullius means “land belonging to no one” and the Australian government used it to justify the invasion of Aboriginal territory.

Who enshrined the idea of Terra Nulius into law?

Sir Richard Bourke

what is the difference between missions and reserves?

In Australia, both missions and reserves were areas where Aboriginal people were forcibly relocated, but they differed in their management and control. Missions were typically run by churches and missionaries, with limited government involvement, while reserves were generally managed by the government, often with the oversight of "Protectors of Aborigines".

Assimilation (in context)

Assimilation is the adaption of indigenous people into European culture by placing them in reserves and missons.

segregation

The separation of someone from society.

what was the impact of disease on Indigenous people from European arrival

smallpox would result in almost all Aboriginals in new south Wales wiped out, with the others abandoning their traditional land to escape.

when was the aborigines protection board was set up

1883

what was life on the reserves like?

basic rations of flour, sugar and tea and basic clothing

what was the goal of the reserves and missions

to remove any connection to aboriginal culture left and adapt them into European culture.

what were the aboriginals denied of in the constitution to marginalize them

denied the right to vote

excluded from the census

ineligible for welfare benefits

barred from military service and certain jobs
subject to travel restrictions

what was the day of mourning protest

250th anniversary of European arrival (1938, 26 jan)

organized by the Aboriginal progressive association

marched to Australian hall on Elizabeth street

earliest civil rights meetings in Australian history

beginning of formal protest for rights

the Cummeragunja station walk-off

feburary 1939

because of poor living conditions, removal of freedom and harsh treatment

Inspired future Aboriginal activism and highlighted injustice under the “protection” system.

what were the impacts of european arrival?

disease, dispossession of land (terra nullius) and loss of culture

what is the importance of the universal declaration of human rights?

they are based on the principles of dignity, equality and mutual respect. they ensured that all were treated fairly by law.

what were the major turning points for change in the way indigenous Australians were treated