Tuesday 30 June 2015

History Tuesday.................Australia


On this history Tuesday I thought I would tell you a bit about the history of Australia, we are going far far back in history.

The first settlers are thought to have arrived around 50,000 years ago. This would have most likely been at a time when the sea levels were low, the land was more humid and animals larger.
Although much of Australia became populated, the central dry areas didn't attract settlers until around 25,000 years ago. The population grew proportionately quicker around 10,000 years ago as the climate improved.

At the time of British settlement at Sydney Cove it is estimated that 300,000 aboriginal people, speaking around 250 languages inhabited Australia.

On arrival, finding no obvious political structure, the Europeans took the land as their own. The Indigenous people were driven out of their homes and many killed. Various new European diseases spread rapidly amongst the indigenous people, killing many. The introduction of feral and domestic animals contributed to the destruction of natural habitats.

During the early part of the 20th century legislation's were passed to segregate and protect Aboriginals. This involved restrictions on where they could live and work and families being broken up.
After World War II, assimilation became the governments aim. All rights were taken away from the Aboriginals and attempts made to 'Europeanise' them.

During the 1960's the legislation was reviewed and the Federal Government passed legislation for all Aboriginals to be given citizen status. However, it wasn't until 1972 that the indigenous people were given back limited rights to their own land. The situation has been steadily improving for Australia's Indigenous people, although many feel more needs to be done.

I will speak more about our history in the weeks and months to come.


12 comments:

  1. Interesting post Jo-Anne. It will help your readers to understand and know about Autralia...

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  2. I've followed at a distance the reforms for the Aboriginals. Wish we would have had the sense to do the same....

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    1. We have come a long way but still have a ways to go

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  3. I'm afraid to admit I really know nothing of your country's history. I always learn something new when I visit your blog. Looking forward to more of this history.

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    1. Thank you I will be doing more in the coming weeks/months

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  4. There was a great show on ABC last night about Arthur Phillip

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    1. Yes I wanted to see that but forgot and was annoyed with myself because I forgot

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  5. Dearest Jo-Anne,
    Many times it is a fact that we cannot be too proud of the history in certain areas. And that sadly so is still ongoing. Many people live in fear for their lives, religion or freedom.
    Sending you hugs,
    Mariette

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    Replies
    1. So true we are making progress but still have areas we can improve

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  6. Good girl! You do a good and interesting job.

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