A History of Australia

Ep57: The Buckland Riot and Political Chaos in 1857

This week, we discuss the rise of anti-Chinese sentiment leading to the Buckland Riot. We also talk about all the political chaos across four different colonies, as well as some frontier wars and disasters. All in all, its a full on episode of Australia's history!

Ep58: The First Game of Australian Rules Football

This week, we discuss the first-ever game of Australian Rules Football. We also talk about the expeditions of Augustus Gregory and John McDouall Stuart and the connection of Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales by Telegraph lines. Finally, we talk about issues on the goldfields and in Victorian politics, making for quite a varied year in 1858.

Ep59: The Year the Rabbits Came

In this episode focusing on the year 1859, we talk about how rabbits first arrived on the continent now known for its infamous rabbit-proof fence. We also discuss the shipwreck of the Admella, the United Confederacy of the Chinese, and the Hospital Creek Massacre. Finally, we discuss two elections in the NSW colony, and one in the Victorian colony.

Ep60: The Colonisation of Queensland

This week, we look at the separation of Queensland from the NSW colony. We'll discuss both the process leading up to it, and what happened afterwards, to fully understand how Queensland was colonised.

Ep61: The Race to Cross Australia

This week, we look at the three major expeditions attempting to cross Australia in 1860-1861, John McDouall Stuart's fourth and fifth expeditions, and the disastrous Burke and Wills expedition. On top of this, we discuss the topic of land reform as the colonies finally attempt to take down the Squatters.

Ep62: The Lambing Flat Riots

This week, we examine the precursor to the White Australian policy in the Lambing Flat Riots. In addition, we discuss land reform in NSWs with the Robertson land acts, and the first ever Melbourne Cup!

Ep63: Blackbirding and Slavery in Queensland

In this episode, we discuss the practice of Blackbirding, coerced and kidnapped slave labour, in the Queensland colony. We also talk about bushrangers, politics, and the hanging of Elizabeth Scott, the first woman to be hung in the Victorian colony. 

Ep64: Bushrangers in 1860s Australia

This episode, we take a look at Australia in 1864-5, and discuss the lives and deaths of bushrangers Mad Dan Morgan and Ben Hall. In addition, politics and disaster are on the table, as well as a small cameo from the American Civil War. 

Ep65: Bread Riots & Australia's First Saint | 1866

This week, we discuss Queensland economical crisis of 1866 and the subsequent Blood or Bread Riots. In addition, we also talk about Mary Mackillop, Australia's first and only Roman Catholic Saint. Finally, we look over the 1866 Victorian election as well as a few other political moments.

Ep66: WA and the End of Convict Transportation | 1867

This week, we discuss the final, no caveats, end of convict transportation to Western Australia and Australia. In addition, we talk about the Clarke Brothers bushrangers, gold in Queensland, and politics throughout the country, as well the largest ever flood of the Hawkesbury River.