Federation of Australia: Path to Nationhood by 1901

Federation

Creation of Commonwealth of Australia on 1 January 1901.

Commonwealth of Australia

Federal government formed from six colonies.

Self-governing colonies

Independent colonies within the British Empire pre-1901.

Sir Henry Parkes

Premier advocating for Australian federation in 1889.

Nationalism

Desire for a unified national identity among Australians.

Colonial rivalry

Conflicts and differences among the six colonies.

Australian identity

Emerging sense of belonging to Australia by 1901.

Federal government powers

Authority over defense, trade, immigration, and foreign affairs.

State governments

Local governments maintaining laws post-federation.

Tenterfield speech

Parkes' call for unification of colonies in 1889.

Birthplace identity

Two-thirds of colonists born in Australia by 1901.

British Empire loyalty

Shared allegiance to Britain among Australian colonists.

Newspapers' role

Promoted nationalism and Australian identity through publications.

Cultural unity

Common language and ancestry among Australian colonists.

Colonial governance

Each colony had its own laws pre-federation.

Historical context

Federation occurred without war or revolution.

Emergence of nationhood

Australians began identifying as one people by 1901.

Immigration impact

New arrivals contributed to the national identity.

Class distinctions

Old world differences contrasted with Australian ideals.

Freedom of speech

Core value attracting immigrants to Australia.

National publications

Bulletin helped shape Australian national consciousness.

Obstacles to development

Parental influences hindered Australian identity formation.

Civic pride

Native-born Australians felt pride in their birthplace.

Democratic vote

Federation achieved through popular agreement among colonies.

Southern Cross

Constellation symbolizing Australian identity and pride.

Native-born Australians

Individuals born in Australia, distinct from immigrants.

Heidelberg School

Group of artists capturing Australian landscapes and life.

Tom Roberts

Notable Australian painter known for bush scenes.

A.B. 'Banjo' Paterson

Famous Australian poet and author of 'The Man from Snowy River'.

Henry Lawson

Prominent Australian writer known for bush poetry.

The Man from Snowy River

First Australian bestseller published in 1895.

Australian nationalism

Growing pride and identity among Australians in the 19th century.

Artistic expression

Reflection of national pride through painting and literature.

Transport difficulties

Challenges in travel between Australian colonies pre-federation.

Rail gauge

Width of railway tracks varying between Australian colonies.

Custom House regulations

Laws governing inspection of luggage during travel.

Colonial rivalry

Competition and differences among Australian colonies before federation.

Federation

Unification of Australian colonies into one nation.

Express train

Fast train service connecting major Australian cities.

Cultural identity

Sense of belonging to a specific culture or nation.

Exiles

Individuals living away from their native country.

Loyalty to England

Emotional connection to England among early Australians.

Pride in Australia

Affirmation of Australia as true home for many.

Art and literature

Mediums showcasing Australian landscapes and experiences.

Customs checks

Inspections at borders, similar to international travel.

Vivid green landscapes

Description of English scenery contrasting with Australian bush.

Australian bush

Unique natural environment central to Australian identity.

Journal of the Australian Natives' Association

Publication reflecting Australian sentiments and identity.

Indignant

Feeling or showing anger due to perceived injustice.

Possessions Search

Inspection of belongings during border crossing.

Argus Letter Audience

Intended for Victorians, Argus newspaper, and government.

Defence Argument

Federation proposed to unify Australia's military forces.

Major General J. B. Edwards

Reported on Australia's defence state in 1889.

Colonial Defence Units

Separate military forces for each Australian colony.

Wastage Criticism

Inefficiency in separate colonial defence forces highlighted.

Henry Parkes

Advocate for federation and stronger national defence.

Combined Defence Capacity

Federation aimed to create a unified military force.

Break of Gauge

Incompatibility of railway systems hindering troop movement.

Baby Armies

Term for separate colonial military forces in Australia.

Economic Protectionism

Tariffs imposed by Victoria to protect local goods.

Free Trade Policy

New South Wales' approach to eliminate trade barriers.

Economic Depression Causes

Drought, low wool prices, and reduced British investment.

National Banking System

Proposed solution for unified economic management.

Unified Economic Policy

Aim to reduce rivalry and tariff barriers.

Colonial Rivalry

Competition among colonies affecting trade and economy.

Trade with Britain

Preference for dealing with a single nation.

Victorian Artillery

Historical military unit before Australian Federation.

Mutual Defence

Cooperation among colonies for collective security.

Colonial Government

Administrative authority in each Australian colony.

Defence Report Recommendations

Advocated for federation to enhance military efficiency.

Economic Growth Levels

Variations in development across Australian colonies.

White Australia Policy

Legislation to restrict non-white immigration.

Immigration Restriction Act 1901

First law passed post-federation to limit immigration.

Fear of Non-White Races

Concerns about Chinese and Japanese immigrants.

Kanakas

Pacific Islanders working in Australian sugar farms.

Political Consensus

Agreement among parties to restrict non-white entry.

Labor Party Opposition

Concern over cheap labor from Asian immigrants.

Colonial Immigration Policies

Different rules before federation for each colony.

Federation Argument

Federal government could unify immigration laws.

R. Thomson's Appeal

Promoted federation using fear of Chinese invasion.

Distance Issues

Geographical challenges hindered federation support.

Isolation of Colonies

Western Australia and Tasmania felt particularly distant.

Colonial Self-Interest

Smaller colonies feared domination by larger ones.

Transport Difficulties

Sea travel limited communication between capitals.

Patriotic Pride

National identity symbolized by Southern Cross flag.

Chinese Threat Narrative

Used to rally support for national unity.

Cultural Perceptions

Negative views of Chinese living conditions.

Cartoonist's Intent

Critique of Chinese immigration and isolation.

Historical Evidence

Sources used to analyze federation arguments.

National Government

Proposed unified government post-federation.

Federation Convention 1890

Meeting to discuss the unification of Australia.

Economic Concerns

Fear of economic impact from non-white labor.

Public Sentiment

Widespread fear influenced immigration policies.

Cultural Homogeneity

Desire for a predominantly white Australian society.

Henry Parkes

Known as the 'Father of Federation'.

Father of Federation

Title given to Henry Parkes for his advocacy.

1896

Year Henry Parkes died before federation completion.

Queensland's Opposition

Concern over sugar industry and Pacific Islanders.

Pacific Islanders

Labor force in Queensland's sugar industry.

Colonial System

Existing governance structure opposed by trade unions.