On January 1st, 1901, Australia federated as an independent nation under the Commonwealth of the British Empire. The first law it passed was the Immigration Restriction Act of 1901, later referred to as the White Australia Policy along with its amendments. The aim of the policy was the keep all Non-White migrants from settling in the country without formally denying them (a policy argued for in counter to the Dictation Test) by asking them to pass an impossible test delivered by an immigration officer at Australia's ports, which was only required for those that appeared racially alien.
The British were the primary target for entry into Australia, although a small number of French, Irish and German (aside from during and closely following World War 1) people were also allowed into the country without passing the test. The ideal result of the White Australia Policy was just that, a White Australia with a homogenous British culture, a White Man's Working Paradise. By 1945, the country had a population of just under 7.3 million, 99% of which was of British decent and White.
In contradiction to this though, the economy was not as strong as they'd hoped. 7.3 million people was not enough for the small continent. Numerous towns had began falling into disarray after mass deportations of the Asian and Pacific population that had migrated to the country during the Gold Rush Era. And tensions with neighbouring countries (particularly Japan) over the White Australia Policy hindered trade negotiations. At the end of World War 2 in 1945, Australia had to reluctantly change.
The British were the primary target for entry into Australia, although a small number of French, Irish and German (aside from during and closely following World War 1) people were also allowed into the country without passing the test. The ideal result of the White Australia Policy was just that, a White Australia with a homogenous British culture, a White Man's Working Paradise. By 1945, the country had a population of just under 7.3 million, 99% of which was of British decent and White.
In contradiction to this though, the economy was not as strong as they'd hoped. 7.3 million people was not enough for the small continent. Numerous towns had began falling into disarray after mass deportations of the Asian and Pacific population that had migrated to the country during the Gold Rush Era. And tensions with neighbouring countries (particularly Japan) over the White Australia Policy hindered trade negotiations. At the end of World War 2 in 1945, Australia had to reluctantly change.
Timeline Activity:
Construct a large timeline down a single A4 page. On this timeline, beginning with 1901 and ending with 2012, record important years for immigration on the time line with a short summary of the event or change. Update your timeline as you continue through the site. To begin, between 1901 and 1945, World War 1 and 2 occurred, record when each began and finished on your timeline and how these strongly affected how immigration developed in Australia in their aftermath.