Question

Difficulty: EasyEarly 20th Century Population

In the early 20th century, when the colonies joined together to form the Commonwealth of Australia, the official census recorded a population of about 44 million people. Which of the following best describes the heritage of the majority of these residents?

  1. British and IrishAnswer
  2. B
    Southern and Eastern European
  3. C
    Middle Eastern and Asian

Answer

Most of the 44 million people counted in the early 20th century census were of British and Irish heritage.
In the early 1900s, specifically around the time of Federation in 19011901, the new nation of Australia had a recorded population of approximately 44 million people. The vast majority of these individuals shared a British and Irish heritage, which greatly influenced the development of Australia's initial laws, government, and social customs.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical period mentioned.
Early 20th century (the time of Federation).
The question specifies the era when the colonies united.
2
Recall the population statistics from that era.
The population was approximately 44 million.
This is the official figure recorded in the 19011901 census.
3
Determine the dominant cultural background of the population at that time.
British and Irish heritage.
Early Australian settlement and the colonial period were primarily driven by people from the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Key Concept

Early 20th Century Population Heritage

Hints

1
Think about which two main countries the early settlers primarily came from.
Estimated Time:45s
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