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Discovery of Australia
The first Europeans to reach Australia were the Dutch, led by explorer Willem Janszoon, who sailed along the western coast of the Cape York Peninsula in northern Australia. The Dutch did not establish settlements, as Janszoon found the land inhospitable. Australia was referred to as "New Holland" by Dutch explorers for many years, but it did not attract further exploration or colonization from them. -
James Cook claimed Australia for Britain
British explorer James Cook was tasked with exploring the South Pacific. During his voyage, he mapped the eastern coast of Australia and claimed the land for Britain, naming it New South Wales. This was a pivotal moment in the history of British colonization, as Cook's report highlighted the land’s potential for settlement, leading to the decision to send convicts to Australia. -
The penal colony of New South Wales.
In 1778, the First Fleet arrived in Australia, consisting of eleven ships carrying convicts, sailors, and officers. They established the first penal colony in Sydney, New South Wales. This marked the beginning of European colonization in Australia, which initially served as a penal colony where Britain sent convicts to ease overcrowding in British prisons. -
The first European settlement in Tasmania
In 1803, the British established the first European settlement on the island of Tasmania, then called Van Diemen's Land. This settlement began as a penal colony and was important for consolidating British control in the region. The harsh environment and conflict with the Aboriginal people of Tasmania characterized this period. -
The name "Australia" was officially adopted
Although Dutch explorers had called the land "New Holland," in 1824, the British officially adopted the name Australia. -
Australian government officials created boundaries for the colonies
In 1861, Australian government officials created formal boundaries for the colonies. These borders remain largely the same today. As the colonies grew, tensions arose over trade and resources, which led to the need for clearly defined territorial limits. -
Ending the penal transportation system
In 1868, Britain ended the transportation of convicts to Australia, after more than 80 years of the practice. Over 160,000 convicts had been sent to Australian colonies during this period. This marked a turning point in Australia’s history, as the society gradually evolved from a penal colony to a settlement for free citizens. -
The Commonwealth of Australia
On January 1, 1901, the six Australian colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia through federation. This event solidified the country’s internal political independence, though Australia remained part of the British Empire. Federation was driven by the need for a common defense, a unified immigration policy, and a stronger national identity. -
Rights for aboriginals
In 1967, a landmark referendum was held, where over 90% of Australians voted to amend the Constitution to allow the federal government to legislate on matters concerning Aboriginal Australians and to include them in the national census. This was an important step toward recognizing the rights of Indigenous Australians, although challenges regarding their full inclusion and social justice persist. -
Australia full legislative independence.
In 1986, the Australia Act was passed, cutting the remaining legal ties between Australia and the United Kingdom. From this point on, the British Parliament could no longer legislate for Australia, giving the country full legislative independence. Although Australia remains part of the British Commonwealth, its political ties with the UK were effectively severed.