What important historical events happened in Australia?

Answer 1

1606 Dutch explorer Willem Jansz became the first recorded European to set foot on Australia's shores, doing so on the western shore of Cape York Peninsula.

1616 Dirk Hartog charted regions of the Western Australian coast.

1688 Pirate William Dampier became the first Englishman to land on Australia's shores.

1770 Cook's "Endeavour" sailed up Australia's east coast, with Cook charting the coastline and botanist Sir Joseph Banks noting the extensive, unusual new flora. Cook claimed the eastern half of the continent for Briatin, under the name of New South Wales.

1788 Australia's first groups of white settlers, mostly convicts, arrived from England, along with officers, marines and free settlers.

1801-1803 Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Australia.

1804 A colony was established in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania)

1813 Crossing of the Blue mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth: they were the first Europeans to succeed in crossing Australia's impenetrable Blue Mountains, and allowing vital expansion of the settlement to the west.

1824 The first colony (Colony of Moreton Bay) in what is now Queensland was established.

1829 The colony of Western Australia was officially proclaimed.

1829-30 Charles Sturt followed and charted the major rivers of New South Wales, opening up the waterways along the Murray and Darling Rivers, and generating interest in a southern colony (later South Australia).

1836 The colony of South Australia was proclaimed.

1840-41 Edward Eyre became the first European to travel overland from east to west, crossing the Nullarbor Plain in gruelling conditions, with just one aboriginal companion, after two other aborigines travelling with him killed his overseer.

1851 in April, gold prospector Edward Hargraves and his partners reported finding gold at Ophir NSW, beginning the Australian goldrush.

1851 Victoria separated from New South wales to become its own colony, and Australia's richest goldfields for the time were found in Victoria.

1852-1860, anti-Chinese riots occurred on the gold fields in Australia, after a fear of Chinese labourers taking European jobs for cheaper pay.

1854 The Eureka rebellion, when gold diggers were forced to pay a licence fee whether they found gold or not, which began the rebellion. The birthplace of Australian democracy.

1859 Queensland separated from New South Wales.

1860-61 The ill-fated expedition of Burke and Wills, who attempted to be the first to cross Australia from south to north and back again. They perished in the desert, whilst hardy little Scottish explorer, John McDouall Stuart, succeeded in making the crossing from Adelaide to the north (1862).

1872 The Overland Telegraph Line was completed, allowing the southern states of Australia to communicate directly by telegraph with the rest of the world. It followed the path Stuart had taken.

1872-3 The goldrush continued in Australia as the goldrushes began in Western Australia.

1888 Notorious bushranger Ned Kelly was hanged at Melbourne Gaol for his crimes of robbery and murder.

1901 Federation of the six colonies occurred in 1901, and although Australia supported the British Empire in both World Wars, it gradually grew into the completely autonomous, multi-cultural and rich country it is today, with one of the highest standards of living in the world.

1891 - 1901 Australia entered its most severe depression, beginning with the failure of several Australian banks, many Australians faced the prospect of unemployment and business losses.

1891 - 1894 - The harsh conditions of Australia's economic depression led to the Shearers' strikes, the formation of labour unions and, eventually, the formation of the Australian Labor Party.

1915 The battle of Gallipoli took place during the first world war, and to this day ANZAC day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand.

1929 - 1932 - The Great depression, the effects of which were less pronounced in Australia than elsewhere in the western world.

1932 Opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

1939 The Black Friday bushfires of Victoria, which resulted in 71 deaths.

1942 Japanese bombed Darwin and numerous other centres in Australia's north. Within ten weeks, Japan controlled Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and the Australian territory of New Britain (Rabaul).

1950 Post war immigration from Europe, Australia had a massive immigration program, to populate Australia after the narrow invasion from Japan. The Snowy River Hydroelectric scheme brought tens of thousands into Australia, employing immigrants from all over the world.

1954 The Petrov Affair, a spy event involving Soviet Spy Agent, Vladimir Petrov, who wanted to provide ASIO (Australian Security Intelligence Organisation) information of the Soviet's plans, in return for defection (joining the Australian side and betraying his own country).

1965 Australian troops were sent to Vietnam war, as an ally of the United States and under the ANZUS pact.

1973 Official opening of the Sydney opera House.

1974 Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on Christmas Day, killing over 60.

1975 The dismissal of the Whitlam government, ending years of controversy and change.

1983 The Ash Wednesday bushfires of southern Australia, in which 75 people were killed.

1989 The Newcastle earthquake occurred. To date, it has been Australia's only earthquake which resulted in fatalities.

2008 Kevin Rudd apologised to the Stolen generations for the wrongs done to them in the twentieth century.

2009 The Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria, which have been Australia's worst bushfires so far. The final death toll was over 180 people.

2010 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd became the first Australian Prime Minister removed from office before completing a full term. Julia Gillard became Australia's first female Prime Minister.

Answer 2

Thousands of Australian airmen joined the RAF and served in the Battle of Britain, the Battle of the Atlantic, and in the bombing campaign over Germany. Australian troops served with distinction in various campaigns in North Africa including the battles around el Alemein.

Australian troops also fought in various campains in SE Asia including the Battle of Malaya, as well as various battles in New Guinea including the battle for the Kokoda Track, Milne Bay, Port Moresby etc. The RAN also served in various battles in the Pacific campaign, such as Savo Sound, Midway, Port Moresby etc.

Answer 3

Approximately 2500 Australian volunteers joined British forces to fight in the Maori Wars in New Zealand. The First Maori War took place from 1845-46 and the Second Maori War occurred from 1860-66.

During the Crimean War of 1853-56 Australian colonies raised small numbers of volunteer artillery, cavalry and infantry units that were sworn into the service of the British army.

During the American Civil War (1861-65) ships from both the Union and Confederate navies visited Australian ports and volunteers were actively recruited by both sides. A number of adventure seeking Australians volunteered to fight on both sides of this war.

In March of 1885 a contingent of 522 men from the New South Wales colony set sail to support the British in the Sudan. This was the first time that Australian troops were sent abroad in the pay of a self-governing Australian colony. The Australians did not see a lot of action in Sudan, there was some occasional skirmishing and mostly guard duties. Most of the Australian casualties in this expedition died from disease rather than enemy action.

The 2nd Anglo-Boer War 1899-1901. At that time this was the largest war Australia had participated in (although it would soon be overshadowed). When conflict broke out between the British and Dutch-Afrikaners (Boers) in South Africa, Australia, as part of the British Empire, contributed military forces to fight against the Boers. 12000 Australian men volunteered to fight as members of various Australian military contingents and about 600 Australians died in this war.

The Chinese Boxer Rebellion 1900-01 Australia sent mostly naval contingents to help in the capture of coastal fortifications. However by the time the Australians arrived most of the heaviest fighting was over and the Australians were relegated to guard duties and the formation of firing squads to execute boxer rebels.

First World War 1914-18 also known as the Great War. This war changed Australian society, at this time Australia had a population of less than 5 million people, yet almost 500 000 men fought in the war. This meant that out of the Commonwealth nations Australia had the highest contribution of men as a proportion of population. Also Australia was the only army to be made up completely of volunteers. Australia saw action in all theatres, on land at sea and in the air. More than 60 000 Australians were killed and more than 156 000 were wounded or taken prisoner.

Bolshevik Revolution 1919 - No Australian units were directly involved in the Russian Revolution, however a large number of Australian soldiers were in Britain awaiting repatriation back to Australia after World War 1. During this time a large number of them volunteered to join the British Army relief force being sent to Northern Russia to fight against the Bolsheviks. Two Australians were awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during this conflict.

Egyptian Rebellion 1919 - Australian Light-horse units were still in Egypt at the end of their First World War campaigns when a wide spread and organised revolt broke out against the British. Australian soldiers were used along with their New Zealand and British counterparts to restore order.

Spanish Civil War 1936-39. Australia had no official involvement in this war; however a number of Australian men and women travelled to Europe and enlisted in the English-speaking International brigades that fought in the Spanish Civil War.

Second World War 1939-45 - Almost 1 million Australian men and women served in the Second World War, they fought against the Germans, Italians and Vichy French in Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa and against the Japanese in South East Asia. 39 000 Australians were killed in this war and for the first time the Australian mainland came under attack. The Japanese bombed the city of Darwin and Submarine attacks were made against Sydney Harbour.

British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan 1946-51 - This was the first time Australia was involved in the occupation of a sovereign nation that it had defeated in war. The BCOF was formed at the end of the Second World War to occupy Japan and enforce the conditions of their unconditional surrender. The BCOF worked along side of forces from the USA and was made up of a number of Commonwealth countries including the UK, New Zealand, India and Australia. 16 000 Australians served in this force.

UN Peacekeeping Dutch East Indies 1947 - Australia contributed military observers as part of a UN force to supervise ceasefire agreements between the Netherlands and Indonesian forces fighting for independence.

Berlin Airlift 1948-49 - Royal Australian Air Force provided transport squadrons to assist in the resupply of Berlin which was being isolated and starved by the communist government of the USSR. Along with British, American, French and other allied nations the RAAF crews transported thousands of people and millions of pounds of freight.

United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan 1950-85 - Australia contributed military cease fire observers during this operation.

Korean War 1950-53 - More than 17 000 Australians served in the Korean War as part of a multinational force to fight against the Communist North Korean and Chinese forces. Almost 2000 Australians were killed or wounded.

Malayan Emergency 1950-60 - Communist guerrillas were threatening the stability of Malaya which was a South East Asian country newly independent from Britain. Britain and Australia carried out offensive actions against the Communist forces that included bombing from the air and jungle warfare. 39 Australians were killed and 27 were wounded in this conflict. Australia continued to maintain a military presence in Malaysia for some decades after this conflict.

United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation 1956-Present - Australia has provided a total of 13 military observers to supervise ceasefire between Israel and it's neighbours. One Australian has been killed on this operation when his vehicle struck a mine.

Vietnam War 1962-72 - At the request of the government of South Vietnam and the USA, Australia contributed military forces to assist the Republic of South Vietnam against the Communist forces of North Vietnam. Initially Australia contributed a small but elite group of about 30 military advisors; however Australia's involvement increased dramatically. Over the ten years of Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War around 60 000 Australians served, and around 8 000 Australians were in Vietnam at any time. 520 Australians were killed and 2400 were wounded.

Commonwealth Monitoring Force Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) 1979-80 - Australia contributed 150 military personnel involved in protecting refugees and monitoring government and rebel troops. Other commonwealth nations included the UK, New Zealand, Fiji and Kenya.

Commonwealth Military Training Team in Uganda 1982-84 - After the overthrow of the dictator Idi Amin the Commonwealth Training Team was sent to help train and discipline Uganda's army, Australia sent a total of 20 military training personnel over a period of two years.

United Nations Iraq-Iran Military Observer Group 1988-90 - Australia contributed 15 military observers over a 2 year period to supervise ceasefire between Iraq and Iran, the observers were based in Iran.

United Nations Transition Assistance Group 1989-90 - Australia contributed to a multinational force to assist the transition of the newly independent nation of Namibia. Australia sent a force of 300 military engineers who were involved in landmine clearance, construction of roads, airfields, schools and other infrastructure.

Gulf War 1990-91 - Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, Australia joined the multinational taskforce that with the support of the UN Security Council liberated Kuwait. The Royal Australian Navy sent 8 warships to the Persian Gulf to support coalition operations, a small number of military intelligence officers, nursing and medical personnel were also deployed. No Australian casualties were suffered during this conflict.

United Nations Mission & Transitional Authority in Cambodia 1991-93 - Australia contributed over 500 troops involved in maintaining ceasefire, supervising elections and providing transport and communications.

Unified Task Force in Somalia 1992-93 - Australian Army, Navy and Air Force personnel took part in a multinational operation to restore order and protect the delivery or humanitarian aid in Somalia, more than 1100 Australians served in this operation. There were some engagements between Australian infantry and Somali gunmen resulting in a number of Somali gunmen killed, wounded and captured. 1 Australian died in this operation as a result of an accidental gunshot wound.

East Timor 1999-Present - Indonesia agreed to allow East Timorese to have a referendum on their freedom after more than 20 years of brutal Indonesian occupation. The people of East Timor unanimously wanted independence and so fighting broke out between pro-Indonesian militia groups (supported by the Indonesian military) and pro-independence groups. Indonesian military burned buildings and atrocities were committed. Australia led and international force to restore order and assist the new nation of East Timor. More than 5000 Australian Defence Force personnel have served in what was the largest movement of Australian military personnel since Vietnam. 2 Australian soldiers have died while on duty in East Timor.

Operation Enduring Freedom Afghanistan 2001-Present. Following the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks on the USA, Australia invoked the ANZUS treaty to support its ally the USA in the war against the terrorists supported by the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Australia has committed around 500 Special Forces troops, infantry and engineers along with air to air refuelling aircraft, F/A-18 fighters, Navy Frigates and Orion Electronic Intelligence Gathering aircraft.

Invasion of Iraq 2003-Present - Australia was one of only four nations to commit combat troops to the US led invasion of Iraq. Australia has committed Naval, Air Force, Infantry, Medical and Special Forces resources to Iraq and continues to be part of the occupation force there.

Answer 4

Some major events that happened in Australia are:

• 1606 Dutch explorer Willem Jansz became the first recorded European to set foot on Australia's shores, doing so on the western shore of Cape York Peninsula.
• 1770 Cook's "Endeavour" sailed up Australia's east coast, with Cook charting the coastline and botanist Sir Joseph Banks noting the extensive, unusual new flora. Cook claimed the eastern half of the continent for Britain, under the name of New South Wales.
• 1788 Australia's first groups of white settlers, mostly convicts, arrived from England, along with officers, marines and free settlers.
• 1813 Crossing of the Blue mountains by Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth: they were the first Europeans to succeed in crossing Australia's impenetrable Blue Mountains, and allowing vital expansion of the settlement to the west.
• 1829-30 Charles Sturt followed and charted the major rivers of New South Wales, opening up the waterways along the Murray and Darling Rivers, and generating interest in a southern colony (later South Australia).
• 1851 in April, gold prospector Edward Hargraves and his partners reported finding gold at Ophir NSW, beginning the Australian goldrush.
• 1854 The Eureka rebellion, when gold diggers were forced to pay a licence fee whether they found gold or not, which began the rebellion. The birthplace of Australian democracy.
• 1872 The Overland Telegraph Line was completed, allowing the southern states of Australia to communicate directly by telegraph with the rest of the world. It followed the path Stuart had taken.
• 1872-3 The goldrush continued in Australia as the goldrushes began in Western Australia.
• 1901 Federation of the six colonies occurred in 1901, and although Australia supported the British Empire in both World Wars, it gradually grew into the completely autonomous, multi-cultural and rich country it is today, with one of the highest standards of living in the world.
• 1891 - 1894 - The harsh conditions of Australia's economic depression led to the Shearers' strikes, the formation of labour unions and, eventually, the formation of the Australian Labor Party.
• 1915 The battle of Gallipoli took place during the first world war, and to this day ANZAC day is commemorated in Australia and New Zealand.
• 1932 Opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• 1942 Japanese bombed Darwin and numerous other centres in Australia's north. Within ten weeks, Japan controlled Hong Kong, Malaya, Singapore and the Australian territory of New Britain (Rabaul).
• 1974 Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin on Christmas Day, killing over 60.
• 1975 The dismissal of the Whitlam government, ending years of controversy and change.
• 2008 Kevin Rudd apologised to the Stolen generations for the wrongs done to them in the twentieth century.
• 2010 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd became the first Australian Prime Minister removed from office before completing a full term. Julia Gillard became Australia's first female Prime Minister.

Answer 5

A succession of Stone Age peoples over 40,000 years up until 5,000 years ago established the Aboriginal people.

1788 England established a military colony at Botany Bay which grew iand established European control of the continent.

1851 Gold was discovered leading to massive Immigration.

1885 NSW sent a contingent of soldiers to the Sudan War, beginning Australia's involvement in foreign wars, most of which posed no security threat to Australia.

1901 Australian colonies federated as a semi-independent nation, with women included in the electorate.

Answer 6

Darwin, 1942; Attacked by Carrier planes.