Reading along the history of Australia is like reading history of the mankind. With the origin of the humans on this continent dating back to about the last ice age, the Australian Aborigine's history is the longest continual cultural history in the world. The 'robust' or the heavy boned people came to Australia about 70, 000 years ago while the 'Gracile' people date back to 50, 000 years.
European Colonialization
The European imperialism stepped foot on the Australian land only in the 16th century. The British Pirates followed the Portuguese and the Dutch, and then the Famous Captain Cook in year 1770 sailed along the entire east coast and bagged the territory as New South Wales for the British. |
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This was one event that really changed the course of history of Australia. The Europeans settled in Europe mainly due to two reasons: First was the quest for gold and the second was to find a place for secondary punishments.
Australian Independence
The gold rush in the 1850s changed the whole economy for Australia for the better. Australia became the resource hub for the rapidly expanding British industry. However, in the year 1901on the 1st of January, a new Chapter was written in the Australian history. The British bade farewell and at the Federation of Separate Colony Australia was realized as a Country.
Just like the rest of the world, the economic depression hit Australia in the early 1930s. Many problems like poverty and unemployment were widespread. The post World War II Australia saw a lot of influx of immigrations, especially of the Europeans. Since then the immigrants have proven to be true asset to the country and added to its resource base in more than one way. In 1972, the Labour party came to power and supported land rights for Aboriginal people. |
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In 1975, the governor general took a historical decision and abolished the parliament and set up a care taker government. Now, the modern-day Australians feel that the constitutional ties with the British are no longer relevant. The forwarding thought is to declare Australia republic and have Australian President as Head of State. Reflecting this thought was the national referendum in 1999 which resulted in a comprehensive victory for the status quo.
The Mystical land of Australia at the edge of world amazes the visitors with its rich history so much so that each brick in the magnificent building of History of Australia seems to be added just at the right place at the right time.
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