The Road to Federation

SIX BRITISH COLONIES

Jan 1, 1860

In 1860, six British colonies made up Australia.

TELEGRAPH LINKS COLONIES

Jan 1, 1872

Telegraph linked the colonies.This allowed the colonies to communicate more, so the idea of federation was starting to become popular.

FEDERATION IS POPULAR

Jan 1, 1890

The idea of federation was very popular and was celebrated through songs and poems.

NATIONAL AUSTRALASIAN CONVENTION HAVE THEIR FIRST MEETING

Jan 1, 1891

The National Australasian Convention was held in Sydney to discuss federation.

MEETING OF PRO-FEDERATION GROUPS

Jan 1, 1893

There was a conference of all the people who wanted federation. They agreed that all Australians should have a say to agree with the constitution by voting.

FATHER OF FEDERATION COMES TO GRIEF

Jan 1, 1896

Sir Henry Parkes died.

1897 & 1898

Mar 25, 1897

The National Australasian Convention met in 1897 and in 1898. Each colony elected representatives to attend, except Queensland, which did not support federation.

FEDERATION!

Jan 1, 1901

Australia becomes a federation and becomes known as 'The Commonwealth of Australia.'

FIRST REFERENDUM

Dec 12, 1906

The first referendum (Senate election) was held in 1906.

TWO DOLLAR COIN

Jan 1, 1996

Sir Henry Parkes is commemorated on a two dollar coin for suggesting the idea of federation all those years ago.

CENTENARY OF FEDDERATION

Jan 1, 2001

Centenary of federation.