It was an utterly peaceful transition over a rather long period. The original
states were originally independent colonies which were joined at federation in
1900 - partly as a response to fears about German influence in the region. A
federal defence force and economy was seen as necessary. Then there were a
sequence of rather dull legal shifts which moved us from colonial to Dominion
status, to genuine legal and political independence. Until WW2 we hardly had an
embassy in other countries - we relied on the UK to represent us except in
three or four major powers. In WW2 it became clear that Britain was in no
position to defend us (following Singapore). In the 1960's the Common Market
then destroyed much of the economic relationship.
When I arrived in Australia in the early 1970's there was still an older
generation that regarded Britain as the 'mother' country. They are now gone, as
is that sense of belonging. The recent attempt to declare a republic failed
despite being a popular movement - the opposition was well organised and the
prime minister at the time was against and was able to manipulate the
referendum by attaching negative preamble and dependant questions. But we are,
in effect, an independent republic and the ties, such as the Governor General
as head of State, are purely ceremonial.
The constitution is an Act of the British Parliament - and they refuse to let
us have it, an irritation. It's a bloody dull document anyway. There is no
sense whatsoever of a revolutionary origin. A few years ago, there was a bit of
a fuss when we realised that almost no-one knew the identity of the first
Australian prime minister.
Andrew Fildes
afildes@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
www.soultheft.com
Author/Publisher:
The SLR Compendium:
revised edition -
http://blur.by/19Hb8or
The TLR Compendium
http://blur.by/1eDpqN7
On 11/12/2013, at 5:29 AM, Charles Geilfuss wrote:
> Some interesting thoughts, Bob. You may have a new career; alternative
> history novels are all the rage. I'm not so sure those other British
> colonies went out so peacefully as your mother maintains. Canada had its
> armed revolution, though not as protracted as their neighbor to the south.
> And who's to say they weren't more readily let go by the Brits after two
> unpleasant wars the the States. Certainly not India. A different flavor of
> insurrection, but it still took thousands of dead Indians before she became
> free. Your mother may be right about Australia, but I'm not sure she is
> truly independent yet. Andrew will have to clarify.
--
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