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The Great Depression In Australia Essay

Decent Essays

Around the time of federation in Australia, the term 'white man's country' could be used to describe the climate within Australia to a significant extent. During this period many were occupied with the welfare of the empire (5), and the declining birth-rate at the time left many deeply concerned about the success of the new nation (5). There was also apprehension about non-white immigration, particularly Asian (5, 12), and this saw the press publishing anti-Asian immigration material (7). Furthermore, in 1901 the newly federated Australia passed two significant pieces of legislation which express the 'white man's country' sentiment clearly. Namely, the 'immigration restriction act' which essentially prevented non-Europeans from entering Australia, and the 'Pacific Islanders repatriation …show more content…

One noteworthy impact was that it was a factor in the demise of the communist party. That is, although the circumstances of the depression saw the rise of pro-communist fervour in some, the attitude and strategy of the communist party ended in it becoming disconnected from the general population, and it elicited a harsh response by the government. Both of which resulted in the party becoming impotent …show more content…

This is particularly so for 'second wave' feminism that emerged in the late 1960s, which was essentially feminist activism (3). This movement worked at raising awareness of different issues such as equal pay for women, which was officially established in May of 1974 (4). Furthermore, feminism played a role in the formation of political groups such as the 'women's electoral lobby' who made recommendations regarding political candidates and made submissions to government on issues affecting women. Thus, we can see the rise of women taking steps to have a voice which can affect politics

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