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European Exploration: Dutch
Captain James Cook sailed around Australia. -
The First Fleet
British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony. -
British Prisoners
British prisoners settled in Australia. -
Creation of Boundaries
Government officials created boundaries for the colonies that are still in place today. -
Transportation of Prisoners Stopped
British transported prisoners to Australia until this time. -
Commonwealth of Australia
The Commonwealth of Australia was established. -
Canberra was completed
Melbourne served as the national capital until Canberra was completed. -
Government helps the Aborigines
Federal government began to pass legislation to help the Aborigines. -
Australia Act
All legal ties with the British Empire were severed. -
Voting
55% of voters rejected the idea of becoming an independent republic.