The 1st of January, 1901, marked a major turning point in the history of the Australian continent. On this day, what fundamental change occurred in the political organization of the six Australian colonies?
- The colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, with each colony becoming a state within the new nation.Answer
- BEach colony became an entirely independent country with its own separate monarch and military force.
- CThe colonies were dissolved and replaced by a single administrative territory governed directly by the British Parliament in London.
Answer
The colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, with each colony becoming a state within the new nation.
The correct answer is that the colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia, and they became the six states. This process, called Federation, allowed the former colonies to join together as one nation while maintaining their individual state governments and identities under the Australian Constitution.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Federation and the formation of the Commonwealth
Hints
1
Think about the word 'Federation' and what it means for separate groups to join together.
2
Before 1901, there were six colonies. After 1901, those same six areas became something else within the new Commonwealth.
Practice More
Review the roles of the Australian Constitution in defining the powers of the federal and state governments.
Estimated Time:1m 0s