Federation Timeline

By OceanView2006

  • Rail Link

    Rail Link
    In 1881, the Sydney to Melbourne Rail Link was completed. This was a huge step to linking the colonies.
  • Period: to

    Events Leading up to Federation

    This Timespan shows the journey of the Federation of Australia from the beginning to the end.

  • Germany attacks North-Eastern New-Guinea

    Germany attacks North-Eastern New-Guinea
    In 1884, Papua New Guinea is attacked by Germany. This scares most citizens, and people start to think about becoming one colony to better defend from threats to come.

  • Sir Henry Parkes' Speech

    Sir Henry Parkes' Speech
    In 1889, Sir Henry Parkes presents a speech in favour of Federation. This convinces most people to think about the idea of coming together to become one nation.

  • Holding a Draft Constitution for the Commonwealth

    Holding a Draft Constitution for the Commonwealth
    In 1890, The Australasian Federation Conference recommends a national convention so that they can draft the Constitution for the Commonwealth of Australia

  • Draft Constition for the Commonwealth is Made

    Draft Constition for the Commonwealth is Made
    In 1891, The National Australasian Convention is held in Sydney and drafts a Constitution.

  • Economic Depression

    Economic Depression
    Between the time 1891 and 1894, an economic depression takes place making the Parliaments lose interest in Federation.

  • People want Federation

    People want Federation
    Between the years of 1893 and 1896, two People Conventions are held (one in Corowa, New South Wales and the other in Bathurst, New South Wales) urging the colonial parliaments to hold a new convention to decide on a draft constitution.

  • Trying Again

    In 1895, A secret Premier's Conference is held and agrees to hold a new Federation Convention.

  • The Second Shot

    In 1897, the second National Australasian Convention is held in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. This time they agree to the Constitution.

  • Referendums

    Referendums
    In 1898, referendums are held in all different colonies to approve the Constitution. All but New South Wales agreed.

  • Britain Approved

    Britain Approved
    In 1900, Britain approved of the idea of Australia Federation. Australia was going to become a Nation.

  • Federation!

    Federation!
    On the 1st of January 1901, Australia was officially a Nation. There were countless celebrations across the new formed country.