White Australia Policies Humanities

Year 9 2025

Economic Fears

Cheap labor threatened white workers' wages and job security.

Belief in Racial Superiority

Belief that the white race was superior, justifying discrimination.

Global Trends

Exclusionary immigration laws in US, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand.

Cultural Protectionism

Protecting Australian identity from foreign influences.

Economic Fears

Pacific Islander and Chinese labor threatened white wages.

Security Concerns

Anxiety over Britain's treaty with Japan and weak Pacific security.

Colonial Dependence

Australia's foreign policy was under British control.

Economic Depression

Economic crisis led to unemployment and fear of job competition.

Immigration Restriction Act 1901

Legislation barring non-European immigrants via a dictation test.

Policy Duration

1901-1958, with lasting effects until the 1970s.

Racial Exclusion

Denial of entry and residency to non-European peoples.

Deportation of Kanakas

Forced removal of Pacific Islanders after the Act.

Cultural Homogenization

Reinforcing an Anglo-centric national identity.

International Criticism

Damaged relations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Delayed Multiculturalism

Slowed development of a diverse society.

Convicts and Settlers

Convicts integrated into Australian society by the 20th century.

Convict Ancestry

Shared Anglo-Celtic identity among settlers.

Settlers and Indigenous Australians

Exclusion of Indigenous Australians from national identity.

Marginalization of Indigenous Australians

Reinforced settler dominance and marginalized Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous Australians

Systemic discrimination against Indigenous Australians.

Racial Exclusion Framework

Policy contributed to racial exclusion affecting Indigenous communities.

“Mother Country”

Britain as Australia's colonial origin and cultural ties.

Belief in British Protection

Australians believed Britain would provide protection.

“The Crimson Thread of Kinship”

Cultural connection between Australia and Britain.

Early 20th Century Australian Identity

Loyalty to Britain, independence, egalitarianism, and whiteness.

“Rule, Britannia!”

British song symbolizing naval power and imperial pride.

Pride in British Empire

Australia's pride in being part of the British Empire.

Blackbirding

Coercive recruitment of Pacific Islanders for Queensland plantations.

Kanakas

Pacific Islander laborers in Queensland, often exploited.

What does ‘the crimson thread of kinship’ refer to?

Bond among Australians of British descent.

What does CABMAPS stand for

Context, Authour, Bias, Message, Audience Purpose, Significance