What was the main aim of Parkes speech?

In the Oration, Parkes argued that federation would enable the colonies’ militias to unite as a single national army under the command of a single national government. He also argued that it would enable Australia’s railway gauges to be of a uniform width.

What did Sir Henry Parkes do to help federation?

Parkes delivered his famous Tenterfield Oration in 1889 which led to his instigation of a conference in 1890 and a Constitutional Convention in 1891, the first of a series of meetings that led to the federation of Australia.

What happened after Sir Henry Parkes speech?

Parkes went on to give similar speeches in 15 different places. The oration helped encourage colonial governments to begin negotiating towards Federation. On 1 January 1901, 12 years after the Tenterfield Oration, Australia federated and became an independent nation.

Why did Australia decide to federate?

The Federation conventions. Convinced the colonies would be stronger if they united, Sir Henry Parkes gave a rousing address at Tenterfield, New South Wales in 1889 calling for ‘a great national government for all Australians’. Parkes’s call provided the momentum that led to Australia becoming a nation.

How did Federation impact on indigenous and Chinese immigrants?

However, central to the goals of Federationists was the further restriction of immigration, particularly from China. The Immigration Restriction Act was one of the first major acts to be passed by the new Parliament. This act abolished nearly all non-European immigration.

Why was Sir Henry Parkes known as the father of Federation?

In 1901, it became a reality. Parkes is known as the ‘Father of Federation’. His tireless championing of a united Australia brought the colonies together and set them on a course for nationhood.

Why is Sir Henry Parkes remembered as the father of Federation?

Was Henry Parkes a prime minister?

(1893)

Why did Wa not want to join the Federation?

There were a number of reasons for Western Australia’s leaders to be uncertain about Federation. The discovery of gold in the early 1890s led to rapid growth in the colony’s population and wealth. Farming, the timber industry and shipping were also strong. This provided money to support its development.

Did Federation help Aboriginals?

Apart from some Aboriginal people in South Australia, the first peoples of Australia also did not participate in the referendums in which the public agreed to the draft Constitution. So for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, federation did not directly impact their lives.