History of Australia

Boomerang is invented

Jan 1, 800

Aborigines invent the boomerang. This wooden weapon, which is used for hunting, returns to its thrower.

Britain Claims Australia

Jan 1, 1770

Australia is claimed by Britain.It settles the first of six colonies in 1788.

Penal Settlement at Sydney

Mar 31, 1788

British Navy captain Arthur Phillip founds a penal settlement in Sydney, Australia. He arrived with about 800 convicts in 11 vessels.

South Australia

Mar 31, 1836

South Australia is established. Its capital is Adelaide.

Gold in Southern Australia

Jan 1, 1850

People find gold in Southern Australia. Entire settlements are abandoned as settlers race to find gold.

Australian Ballot

Mar 31, 1856

Australia becomes the first country ever to introduce the secret ballot - or the Australian ballot - in elections.

Commonwealth of Australia

Jan 1, 1901

The colonies of Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, and Southern Australia choose to unite to become the Commonwealth of Australia. The C of A has a democratic government, and Britain's royalty has only a ceremonial role.

WW1

Mar 31, 1914

World War 1 breaks out. Australia commits hundreds of thousands of troops to the British war effort.

Declaring War

Mar 31, 1939

Australia follows Britain's lead and declares war on Nazi Germany.

Vietnam War

Mar 31, 1965

Australia commits troops to the US war effort in Vietnam.