The 10 key dates in Australian history: a

conservative view
Education commentator for The Australian Kevin Donnelly writes:

History should not be restricted to simply memorising dates, but an

understanding of significant dates, their chronology and importance are vital to
establishing a strong sense of narrative. Ten dates related to Australian history
that all students should know include:

 Pre-European settlement: arrival of Aborigines to what is now known as

Australia, their relationship to and impact on the land and an
understanding of Indigenous culture and society.

 1770: Captain Cook explores the coast, eventually leading to the arrival of
the First Fleet.

 1788: arrival of the First Fleet and the start of European

settlement/occupation.

 1854: the Eureka Stockade, eventually leading to more democratic

parliamentary representation.

 1901: the federation of the states into the Commonwealth of Australia –

the birth of a nation and consensus around what Paul Kelly terms the
Australian settlement, including: conciliation and arbitration, white
Australia and tariff protection.

 1914-1918: First World War, significance of Gallipoli and battles in

France on Australia’s self-image and social and economic impact.

 1930s: the Great Depression hits Australia, social and economic impact as
well as differences about how best to alleviate.

 1939-45: the Second World War and its influence on Australia’s

relationship with the Empire and the USA, nation building after the war
and Australia’s post-war refugee policy

 1972: election of the Whitlam Government and the start of a cultural

revolution in Australian society.

 1975: the dismissal of the Whitlam Government, reasons why and

constitutional and political implications.