NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Australian History

Australia has been inhabited for at least 50,000 years, since the remote ancestors of the current Australian Aboriginal people arrived from Southeast Asia. The land was not discovered by Europeans until the 17th century. It was claimed for Britain in 1770, and first colonised in 1788 as a penal colony. Five other colonies, some penal and some free, were founded in the early 19th century.

History of Australia since 1901

Main article: History of Australia since 1901

In 1901, Australia adopted a federal constitution and became a self_governing dominion of the British Empire. Australian troops took part in both world wars. Since World War II Australia has been transformed by a massive immigration programme. Australia remains a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state: a referendum to establish a republic was defeated in 1999.

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History of Oceania
History of present-day nations and states
Australian states and major territories:

Categories: Australian history

Results from FactBites:

History of Australia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (925 words)
	On 1 January 1901, federation of the colonies was achieved after a decade of planning, consultation and voting, and the Commonwealth of Australia was born, as a Dominion of the British Empire.
	The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) was formed from New South Wales in 1911 to provide a location for the proposed new federal capital of Canberra (Melbourne was the capital from 1901 to 1927).
	Australia remains a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II the Queen of Australia; the 1999 referendum to establish a republic was marginally rejected.

Encyclopedia: Australian history since 1901 (2481 words)
	Discussions between Australian and British representatives led to adoption by the British Government of an act to constitute the Commonwealth of Australia late in 1900.
	(See History of Australian Conscription) Hughes united with the Liberals to form the Nationalist Party, and remained in office until 1923, when he was succeeded by Stanley Bruce.
	Australian victory in the Battle of Milne Bay was the first Allied defeat of Japanese land forces.

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History of Australia since 1901

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History of Australia before 1901