History Document Analysis- Federation

What was happening by 1880?

By 1880, the six British colonies were getting closer to merging as one nation. For 20 years, federation (which was the movement of colonies to form a nation) was a political discussion between the colonies until on 1 January 1901 the commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed.

What was happening between 1855 and 1860?

All colonies except WA had their own governments. hey governed independently of each other. For instance, laws concerning trade and tariffs, postal services, railway line widths, internal telegraph systems and defence forces differed from colony to colony.

What did the differences cause between the colonies?

Frustrations between the colonies, especially for businesses so politicians debated pros and cons.

Pros for Federation

Uniformed immigration policy (white Australia) (All agreed except for Queensland due to immigrants picking their sugarcane), Large Defense force, Economic value due to other countries wanting to trade more, travel and trade would improve from the same sized train tracks, want to have independence, separate from Britain.

Cons for Federation

Colonies (everyone except for NSW AND VIC) thought they would be ignored by being smaller and less wealthy, Different ideas of trade, one colony wanted more free trade, the other more taxes, fight over the capital, the great depression was more important, there was apathy towards Federation.

What is Federation?

The movement of colonies to form a nation.

What were some of the key events and people in the story of Federation?

1886 Federal Council Meets
1889 Henry Parks talks to Tenterfield locals
1891 National Constitution drafted

1897-98 Federal Constitutional Convention

1899-1900 The Referendum

1900 Federation