Brief history of Australia 2500 word introduction with body and end with independence APA referencing style
Australia, officially known as the Commonwealth of Australia, is a vast and diverse country located in the southern hemisphere. It is the world's sixth largest country by total area, spanning over 7.6 million square kilometers. The history of Australia is one that is rich and complex, shaped by Indigenous cultures, European colonization, and waves of immigration from all corners of the globe.
Australia's history dates back tens of thousands of years, with the continent being inhabited by Indigenous peoples for over 65,000 years. These diverse and complex societies developed intricate social structures, customs, and languages, and were connected through trade networks that spanned the continent. The Indigenous peoples of Australia had a deep connection to the land and lived in harmony with nature, relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance.
The first recorded European contact with Australia occurred in the early 17th century, when Dutch explorers made landfall on the western coast of the continent. However, it was not until the late 18th century that European colonization of Australia began in earnest. In 1788, the British established a penal colony at Port Jackson (now Sydney) in New South Wales, as a solution to the overcrowded prisons in Britain. This marked the beginning of British colonization of Australia, which would have profound and lasting impacts on the continent and its Indigenous inhabitants.
The early years of British colonization were marked by conflict and violence between the colonizers and Indigenous peoples, as the British sought to assert their control over the land and its resources. The Indigenous peoples of Australia were dispossessed of their lands, their cultures were suppressed, and their populations were devastated by disease and violence. The legacy of this period of colonization continues to be felt by Indigenous Australians to this day, with high rates of poverty, unemployment, and poor health outcomes in many Indigenous communities.
In the 19th century, Australia underwent rapid economic development and urbanization, driven by the discovery of gold and the expansion of agriculture. The Australian colonies grew in wealth and population, and began to agitate for greater political autonomy from Britain. In 1901, the six separate British colonies on the continent united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, with a federal system of government that combined elements of British parliamentary tradition with American-style federalism.
Despite achieving self-governance, Australia remained closely tied to Britain throughout the first half of the 20th century, particularly through its foreign policy and defense alliances. Australia fought alongside Britain in both World Wars, and remained a staunch ally of the British Empire. However, the end of World War II marked a turning point in Australia's relationship with Britain, as the country began to assert its independence on the world stage.
One of the key moments in Australia's road to independence was the granting of full citizenship rights to Indigenous Australians in 1967, through a national referendum. This marked a significant step towards addressing the historical injustices suffered by Indigenous peoples, and paved the way for greater recognition of Indigenous rights and cultures in Australian society.
Australia's journey towards full independence was completed on January 1, 1986, when the country passed the Australia Act, which formally ended the power of the British Parliament to legislate for Australia. This act symbolized Australia's transition from a former British colony to a fully sovereign nation, with its own constitution, government, and legal system.
Today, Australia is a prosperous and multicultural nation, known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. The country is a leading player in the Asia-Pacific region, with a strong economy, high living standards, and a commitment to democratic values and human rights. Australia's Indigenous peoples continue to fight for recognition and justice, and the country grapples with issues of reconciliation, multiculturalism, and sustainability in the 21st century.
In conclusion, the history of Australia is a complex and multifaceted one, shaped by Indigenous cultures, European colonization, and waves of immigration. The country's journey towards independence has been marked by struggles for self-determination and recognition, and has culminated in Australia becoming a fully sovereign nation in the modern world. Australia's story is one of resilience, diversity, and progress, and continues to be written by its people, its communities, and its land.
References:
Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. (2021). About Australia. Retrieved from https://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia
Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies. (2021). Indigenous peoples of Australia. Retrieved from https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/indigenous-australia
Encyclopedia Britannica. (2021). Australia. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/place/Australia
National Museum of Australia. (2021). Indigenous cultures. Retrieved from https://www.nma.gov.au/learn/understanding-Indigenous-culture
National Museum of Australia. (2021). The history of Australia. Retrieved from https://www.nma.gov.au/learn/understanding-nation/australia-history