Responses to Gold

In response to: What legacies and influence has the gold rush period had on Australian national history?

The major gold discoveries in Victoria and New South Wales in the mid nineteenth century triggered mass immigration and resulted in a robust civic culture that flourished with the wealth generated through gold. Though gold rushes have been highlighted as an era where it was possible to get rich fast and focus on the experience and culture on the goldfields, historians have also questioned what legacies and influences the gold rush has had on Australian history and identity. Historian Richard White suggests the gold rush had an impact upon the image of the typical Australian type. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, a sense of Australian identity had clearly begun to form. With many miners coming from European backgrounds, they wanted to form their own stereotype. Many abroad believed, in linkage to social Darwinism, that the Australian man would deteriorate from the characteristics of the Englishman. However, White goes to great lengths to argue that the physicality of the miner added to Australian men seeing themselves as physically superior to the Englishman. In addition, the larrikin culture of drinking and gambling on the goldfields reflected the good humor of Australian identity. In addition, Charles Fahey argues that the demand for political rights and land highlights the beginning of the idea of mate ship and equality. The Eureka Rebellion of 1854 can be seen as an example of the Australian man becoming interested in politics and searching for democracy. It is still used as an example in which power from the people can see a change. The Eureka Rebellion has many legacies. The nationalists, republicans, liberals, labour and communists all draw upon this event as a narrative to reflect their ideologies as a sense of Australian identity. In essence, the Eureka Rebellion and the gold rush in general, both illustrate the national identity of defying authority in order to strengthen mate ship and search for better political outcomes.

                                                

Picture of the Eureka Rebellion, Ballarat, 1854

Source: http://www.hereticpress.com/Dogstar/History/Bentley/Doubiet.jpg