Question

Difficulty: MediumEstablishment and Expansion of Colonies

By the late 19th century, the British government had established several different colonies across the Australian continent. Before these colonies united in 1901, which of the following statements was true?

  1. Each colony was separate and had its own laws and government.Answer
  2. B
    All colonies were part of a single unified nation from the time they were first established.
  3. C
    The colonies were governed as a single territory by a central parliament in Canberra.

Answer

Each colony was separate and had its own laws and government.
The correct answer is that each colony was separate and had its own laws and government. In the 19th century, as the population grew and people moved across the continent, Great Britain established six distinct colonies. These colonies operated as independent entities, each with its own administration and legal framework, until they joined together in 1901.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the political status of Australia in the 19th century.
The continent was divided into several British colonies (New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Queensland).
To understand how the region was managed before it became a single country.
2
Determine the relationship between these colonies before 1901.
Each colony was independent of the others, with its own specific laws, government officials, and defense forces.
This separation is the key historical context that led to the need for Federation.
3
Select the option that reflects this independent status.
The statement that each colony was separate and had its own laws and government is correct.
It accurately describes the expansion and governance of the colonies prior to their unification.

Key Concept

The independence of the six British colonies before Federation in 1901.

Hints

1
Think about whether Australia was one country or many different parts before 1901.
2
Recall that 'Federation' refers to the moment when separate entities decide to join together.
3
Before 1901, there were six different British colonies, and each acted like its own small country with its own rules.

Practice More

Review the names and order of establishment of the six colonies to better understand the expansion of European settlement.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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