Australia

Story of Australia : from colonization to independence. Balmisse and Malvezin

By Il était une fois

  • Captain Cook claims Australia for the British

    Captain Cook claims Australia for the British
    English Lieutenant James Cook's expedition in the Endeavour charted the eastern coast, and claimed it for the British Crown. Australia was dubbed "terra nullius".

  • First colony built in Sydney Cove

    First colony built in Sydney Cove
    Captain Arthur Phillip set out with a party in three open boats to seek out another site. He selected a cove with a stream and named it Sydney Cove.

  • First free settlers arrive for a new life in Australia

    First free settlers arrive for a new life in Australia
    5 of 6 ships of the beleaguered Second Fleet arrived. The colony was gripped by a food crisis.

  • New colony set up for convicts on Tasmania. Free settlers soon follow

    New colony set up for convicts on Tasmania. Free settlers soon follow
    Two French ships, Recherche and Espérance, anchor at Recherche Bay, near the southernmost point of Tasmania.

  • By now, about half the people living in Australia were born there

    By now, about half the people living in Australia were born there
    Australia's first municipal authority, the City of Adelaide, was established, followed by Sydney City Council.

  • A new province is set up - called Victoria

    A new province is set up - called Victoria
    Australia's first parliamentary elections was held for the New South Wales Legislative Council (though voting rights are restricted to males of certain wealth or property).

  • Gold discovered in Australia : even more settlers arrive. Population now nearly half a million

    Gold discovered in Australia : even more settlers arrive. Population now nearly half a million
    The Victorian gold rush started when gold was found at Summerhill Creek and Ballarat.

  • Four of the five provinces of Australia granded 'self government '. They manage most of their own affairs but are still part of the British Empire

    Four of the five provinces of Australia granded 'self government '. They manage most of their own affairs but are still part of the British Empire
    The transportation of convicts to Norfolk Island ceased. All men over 21 years of age obtained the right to vote in South Australia.

  • Queensland, the last colony to be created, comes into existence.

    Queensland, the last colony to be created, comes into existence.
    Queensland separated from New South Wales with its western border at 141° E.

  • Now over 80% of people in Australia were born there. The six colonies meet to drawn up a set of rules about how to run Australia as a united country, independent of Britain

    Now over 80% of people in Australia were born there. The six colonies meet to drawn up a set of rules about how to run Australia as a united country, independent of Britain
    The Convention adopts the constitution, although it had no legal status.

  • By now all six provinces or territories are ''self-governing''

    By now all six provinces or territories are ''self-governing''
    Australia becomes a federation. Edmund Barton becomes the 1st Prime Minister of Australia; the 7th Earl of Hopetoun becomes Governor-General.

  • The Commonwealth of Australia comes into existence. All the territories from one 'Federation' with its own Parliament. But the British monarch remains the head of state.

    The Commonwealth of Australia comes into existence. All the territories from one 'Federation' with its own Parliament. But the British monarch remains the head of state.
    Australia becomes a federation. Edmund Barton becomes the 1st Prime Minister of Australia; the 7th Earl of Hopetoun becomes Governor-General.