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First Europeans
First Europeans to sail to Australia were the Dutch (Netherlands) in 1606, but they didn’t settle there -
1770
James Cook sailed around Australia -
British Ships
British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony -
penal colony
New South Wales was officially a penal (prison) colony consisting mainly of convicts, marines (guards), and the marines’ families -
the ending of the penal colony
New South Wales was officially a penal colony consisting mainly of convicts, marines, and the marines’ families until 1832. -
common wealth of Australia
government officials created boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today -
establishment
the Commonwealth of Australia was established. -
National capital
Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed. canaberra now being the capital -
Aborigines
federal government began to pass legislation to help the Aborigines -
Australia Act
Australia Act -- all legal ties with the British Empire were severed