Towards Federation

For and against

A snapshot of pre-Federated Aus.

What does it mean to federate?

federation: a political system in which separate states maintain their own government, but give up some of their powers to a central government So basically unifying as one but keeping some powers you had before.

Arguments FOR federation

Economy Before federation, each colony had different tariffs and protections in place for their economies. Many believed that if the colonies unified (with one common set of trading rules), Australia would have an open and more prosperous economy.

Arguments FOR federation

Trade: Connecting Colonies and the world
Before 1900, each colony had its own post stamp Trains boomed in the 1880s but each colony built its own rail network, using different track widths and gauges (So to travel between Sydney and Melbourne, youd have to swap trains at the border) Why would they have done this???

Arguments FOR federation

Connecting Colonies and the world
Suez Canal (1869) and new steam ships cut travel to Europe from several months to 30 days 1870: All Australian cities liked by telegraph Underwater cables transmitted signals to Britain via India.

Arguments FOR federation

Defence: Fear of Invasion At this time, European countries were highly interested in this area in the Pacific. The colonies small, disjointed armies would be useless against a strong and unified attack Unification would bring strength and security

Arguments FOR federation

White Australia
Since the gold rushes in the 1850s, Australians were scared of Asian migration. By 1890, all colonies had anti-Chinese laws in place It was believed that they were a lesser people This was a contentious issue for Qld because of their use of kanaka labour. The other colonies feared that they would be forced to adopt Qlds policy on non-European labour.

Arguments FOR federation

White Australia (cont...)
People were scared for their jobs... And rightly so. Non-Europeans worked for less money Eg; you are looking to buy a new phone. One store has it for $150 and another for $99. The phone is exactly the same model. Which one are you going to buy??? This is why Australians didnt like the kanaka labour in Qld.

Arguments FOR federation

Nationalism
From the 1880s, people were starting to feel Australia was their home, not Britain. This came about through popular culture such as paintings (now highlighting Aus. landscapes not making them look British), songs, poems ... The Bulletin, a strong anti-British force perpetuated this idea of growing nationalism

Nicholas Chevalier (born Russia 1828, lived in Australia 185467, died England 1902); The Buffalo Ranges 1864

Arthur Streetons painting Golden Summer, Eaglemont, 1889

Arguments AGAINST federation

Geography and distance
Attitude of NSW (was progressive and wanted free trade) Tradition (many people saw themselves as British citizens living in new colonies... There was no desire to establish a new nation). Fears of smaller colonies (being bullied by larger ones) The labour movement

No real need until 1890s

Qld kanaka labour More pressing day-to-day issues (health, education)

Checking understanding
1. Outline the reasons for and against Federation (1-2 paragraphs) 2. Explain, using examples, what Australia would be like today if Federation had not occurred. (1 paragraph) 3. Create a propaganda poster either for or against federation (a poster trying to persuade people) -include text, images etc..
ie; federate Now! We will be stronger...