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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware this website contains images, voices and names of people who have died.

1.1 Introduction

<p>‘Prospecting’, by Samuel Thomas Gill, 1865</p>

National Museum of Australia

<p>‘Prospecting’, by Samuel Thomas Gill, 1865</p>

What were some significant events in nineteenth century Australian history?

Why do we remember them?

How do we find out about them?

There have been many important events in Australian history, but we only commemorate a few.

Here are some of the events that the National Museum of Australia and members of the public have said are especially significant and important.

You can use the information to work out why they were important, and why we remember them. You can also use the questions to research and find out about any other important event that you are interested in.

Investigation 1.2
1788 — 1868 Convicts sent to Australia

Investigation 1.3
1797 Merino sheep introduced

Investigation 1.4
1838 Myall Creek massacre

Investigation 1.5
1851 Discovery of gold

Investigation 1.6
1854 Eureka Stockade

Investigation 1.7
1856 Secret ballot

Investigation 1.8
1859 Rabbits released

Investigation 1.9
1863 South Sea Islanders

Investigation 1.10
1868 Aboriginal Cricket tour

Investigation 1.11
1872 Overland telegraph

Investigation 1.12
1854 — 1880 Ned Kelly

Investigation 1.13
1887 Murray River irrigation

Investigation 1.14
1894 Women’s suffrage

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