History of Australia

First Europeans in Australia

Jan 1, 1606

The Frist Europeans to sail to australia were the Dutch (Netherlands) in 1606, but they didn't settle there.

Captain James Cook sailed aroud Australia.

Jan 1, 1770

Captain James Cook sailed aroud Australia. He named this area New South Wales, claimed the land for England, and ignored the Aborigines living there.

First Fleet left England

Jan 1, 1787

British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony.

Prisoners in Australia

Jan 1, 1788

British prisoners settled in Australia. Before they arived around 500,000 Aborigines lived in Australia.

Aborigines were moved to Reserves

Jan 1, 1830

Remnants of the tribes in the settled areas were moved onto Reserves. They were forbidden from teaching their children their language and customs.

Commonwealth of Australia was established

Jan 1, 1901

the Commonwealth of Australia was established.Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed in 1927.

Immigration Restriction Act of 1901

Jan 1, 1901

Restricted migration to people primarily of European descent. This was dismantled after the Second World War.

Federal Government began to pass legislation to help the Aborigines

Jan 1, 1967

Federal government began to pass legislation to help the Aborigines. It was widely seen as affirmation of the Australian people’s wish to see its government take direct action to improve the living conditions of Aborigines.

Australia Act

Jan 1, 1986

All legal ties with the British Empire were severed.

Independent Republic Vote

Mar 30, 1999

55% of voters rejected the idea of becoming an independent republic.