Frontier or History Wars

In response to: What is it about the nature of frontier conflict that led historians to overlook for so long?

The relationship between Indigenous Australian’s and European Settlers has been a long ignored historical aspect within Australian history. There are many explanations for this, all with validity. Firstly, there is a lack of information to describe the hostilities between the two groups. As a result, historian Henry Reynolds has become a prominent figure in Australian history involving Indigenous history. He challenges the conventional ideas of the ways in which Australians have regarded Indigenous history by suggesting aboriginals were massacred at previously ignored events, such Waterloo Creek in January 1838. This event has been poorly recorded, and can be linked to the fact authorities ignored the atrocities committed to people they were frightened of, and saw as inferior to themselves during pioneering times. Secondly, there is little indigenous history documented as Aboriginals themselves, rely greatly on verbal stories and have not documented their early encounters with white settlers. Most prominent is the idea of black armband history. This concept highlights the black stain in Australian history that many want to ignore as it taints the accomplishments of the Australian pioneer and Australian history in general.  Historians such as such as Keith Windschuttle do not believe in the validity of the atrocities committed to Aboriginals because of a lack of documentation. Yet, Reynolds argues that this is rather ignorance due to embarrassment. This lack of knowledge is often linked to former Prime Minister John Howard, who said there was no point apologizing to aboriginals because the current generation did not effect the Indigenous people and there was little evidence to suggest that massacres ever occurred. In essence, the relationship between Indigenous Australians and white settlers is clearly a debated issue amongst historians, and the lack of evidence to support aboriginals will see many white Australians continue to ignore the rich Aboriginal history.

Massacre at Waterloo Creek, New South Wales, 1838

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/ffximage/2005/07/01/wbgrenville_wideweb__430x316.jpg

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

Europeans and the Australian Environment

In response to: How have historians accounted for the role and place of early pioneers in shaping national mythology and history?

There has always been an ongoing dispute between historians regarding the ways in which early European settlers viewed the Australian environment. As a result, historians have accounted for the role and place in which early pioneers shaped a national mythology and identity based upon the environment. This is largely associated with the ‘pioneer legend.’ To early pioneers, the Australian environment was often considered alien like and strange. They had little idea of how to combat the elements and also about the natural flora and fauna. Consequently, their accomplishments of farming and creating a society largely reliant upon natural resources saw many settlers come to love the land. This created the national mythology of the pioneer legend in those able to find beauty in a landscape that is unforgiving. Historian Andrea Gaynor suggests that this legend has evolved over time. She believes that the inability of early settlers to understand the landscape has resulted in catastrophic damage to the environment. This has s many seen Australians attempting to protect the beauty and uniqueness of the environment. This as Gaynor argues, adds a new dimension to Australia, the environment and the pioneer legend. John Hirst also suggests that for much of the nineteenth century, Australians revered the legendary accomplishments and character of pioneers. He says that nationalists, and writers such as Henry Lawson and Banjo Patterson helped create the ideal of the Australian pioneer as an individual who was hardworking, resourceful and ordinary. However, influenced by the women’s civil rights movements of the 1960s, Hirst critically questioned the idea of Australian pioneers and their place in national mythology. He argues that the achievements of the pioneer are confined to than land and their accomplishments within a wider context, including politically, are ignored.

In essence, the ways in which historians and Australians alike overtime have viewed the environment, has changed dramatically.

 Australian Artist Robert Todonai’s depiction of Australian Bushmen

Source: http://todonaiart.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/bushmen.jpg

Convict Lives

In response to: Were convicts members of a criminal class?

Since British Settlement in Australia, there has been continued debate over the character and background of the convicts. In addition the significance of their experiences in the penal system and the penal system itself reflects Australia’s unique history. Many ask, ‘ were convicts apart of a criminal class?’ Historian Manning Clarke suggests that many of the convicts wanted to leave Britain due to its poverty and social unrest. He says that the number of unskilled workers outnumbered the skilled workers. Most of the convicts were not farmers but rather from the working industrial class, perhaps the most poverty stricken class in society. Therefore they had to resort to crime as a way to survive. In Australia there was no way this ‘criminal class could survive,’ this was due to the strict servitude of the penal system. There was harsh punishment and as a result, military style rule prevented much rebellion. Historian G.A woods argues that the convicts were more sinned against than sinners themselves. He says that the British legal system failed most convicts who were sent to a colony of pain and miser. In Australia, the convict could be linked to the slave. Between 30 to 40 per cent of all convicts were physically punished by the whip. Historical records suggest also that the crimes in which were committed were varied. Some were transported to Australia for murder or rape, whereas others go sent to Australia for stealing lace. This suggests that though there was clearly a criminal class in Britain that was targeted to be gotten rid of to Australia. Yet many convicts were merely failed by the British legal system, therefore Australia was not intentionally formed on an underclass of criminals.

Early Settlers awaiting punishment by British officers

Source: http://www.gamblingstudy.com.au/images/news/First%20Australian%20Settlers.jpg

Outpost of Empire

In response to: What are the competing arguments about the foundations of Australia?

The foundation of which Australia was founded is quite controversial as there are many theories, each of which have caused much debate amongst historians. Firstly, Crime and Punishment in eighteenth century if normally viewed as the reasoning for establishing a colony in Australia. In Britain, there was much social unrest and over crowding was a commonality within prisons. Between 1772 to 1778, England’s prison population doubled. As a result, many argued that transportation of convicts was needed. In 1786, Viscount Sydney announced Botany Bay as a convict settlement. Though there is little documentation over the decision, this theory is primarily used as a way in which Australia was founded. Australia was seen merely as a “dumping ground” and this theory is furthered due to the fact the US could no longer be used as a convict settlement due to the American Revolution. However, in contrast, many historians argue that the settlement of Australia was strategically planned and was in the interest of the British Empire. Britain at the time was in fierce battle with other European powers such as France, over exploration. Therefore the settlement of the British in Botany Bay was not to just ‘dump’ convicts, but rather create a colony that would benefit the British. In addition, it would open up many new trading networks in the east. This included strategic trading with China and other Asian states. Though Blainey argues that Britain’s need for a naval base and supplies were needed in the region, it is important to understand that the relationship between Australia and Britain was quite complex. Today many Australian’s find humor, but more importantly pride, that they’re heritage is from convicts who were able to help create a nation. Therefore it can be argued that Australia was in some ways a ‘dumping ground’ however, its importance due to location, and the growing power of the British Empire are of crucial importance to the foundations on which Australia was founded.

Arrival of Convicts in Botany Bay

Source: http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/14/1457/X1BQ000Z/posters/fox-emanuel-phillips-capt-cook-landing-at-botany-bay.jpg