Timeline

William Dampier (1688-1699)

William Dampier was born in 1651 and died in 1715. He was considering being the first British explorer and buccaneering to land on the northwest coast of Australia in 1688 and then returned to England in 1691. He then published his diaries as New Voyage Round the World in 1697 and the British admiralty was quit fond of this. In 1699, the British Admiralty gave him command of the Roebuck and his mission was to explore the east coast of New Holland (Australia).

William Dampier landing in the north-west coast of Australia was important, because he was the first British explorer to visit. Not only did his explore some of the lands of Australia, he opened doors to possibilities of new resources, establishment of settlements and places to home criminals. He was considered a hero and admired for his work and was sent back again to continue his work, which reflects on Australia today.   

 

   

Murray, T. (Artist). (1698). Captain william dampier. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:William_Dampier_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_15675.jpg

New South Wales (1788)

On February 7, 1788, The British Empire announced New South Wales as there colony. The First Fleet led by Arthur Phillip, who had the role as governor of the settlement on arrival in 1788 until 1792. Later, “After years of chaos, anarchy and the overthrow of Governor William Bligh” Lieutenant-Colonel Lachlan Macquarie was sent from the British to reform New South Wales and his legacy is still evident today.

The British Crown Colony of New South Wales being promulgated was a significant event in Australian history. This is because it was the establishment of a secure colony, which in turn led to the development of many others. It also provided hard labour for the convicts, much to the flavouring of the British.

 

(2010). Location of new south wales on australia.. (2010). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tigris-Australia_location_New_South_Wales.svg

The Six colonies gain a responsible government (1855-1890)

In 1855, the six colonies of Australia started in framing for itself its own form of government. All six colonies then got a responsible government. They all chose the English form of government which they have two Houses of legislature. In 1857, the right of voting was for every man who has lived in the colonies for a sufficient length of time.

 

The six colonies gaining an independent government was an important historical event. This is because after years of following under British government and rules, they can now begin their separation from Britain, and gain an independent status.

(n.d.). Map of australia, showing states and mainland territories.. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.apsc.gov.au/about/exppsreform3.htm  
 

The Statue of Westminster (1931, 1942)

On December 11, 1931, The Statue of Westminster was passed and was to establish legislative equality for the self-governing dominions of the British Empire. This statue applied to Canada, The Irish Free State, and South Africa. Australia adopted the statue in 1942 although; due to clarify government war powers, the adoption was backdated to September 3, 1939.

The Statue of Westminster was a special event for Australia. This officially separated them from the legislation of Britain.  This brought them another step away from the imperial powers of Britian.

 (n.d.). Statute of westminster. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/articles/statute-of-westminster

Australia Act (1986)

Signed on February 7, 1986, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Australia Act to insure independence in Australia. This Act was one of the seven acts of the seven Australian parliament needed to create a constitutional change and the Australia act was the last act needed to be signed in order to do this.

The Australia Act is probably one of the most important dates in history. The insurance of the independence for Britain by Queen Elizabeth was greatly significant for Australia, because they have now gained their status as an independent country, free from Britain power.

(n.d.). Australia act 1986 (cth). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://foundingdocs.gov.au/scan-sid-79.html