Australian History for Dummies (for Dummies (History, Biography and Politics)

Australian History for Dummies (for Dummies (History, Biography and Politics) PDF

Author: Alex McDermott

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13: 9781459632684

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This irreverent book introduces you to the people who helped shape Australia's history. Find out about life down under, and discover all the intriguing details the dry history textbooks left out. Explore the history of Aboriginal Australia. see how indigenous Australians lived in Australia for over 40,000 years before colonization Track the early years of European settlement find out why Britain settled Australia and what the challenges and successes were Learn about the intrepid explorers and the discovery of gold watch as Australia hits the big time and puts itself on the map Witness the birth of a nation understand how and why the states were united and meet the major players who made it happen Appreciate the impact of the World Wars uncover the roots of the Anzac legend and the effects of postwar baby boom and immigration Examine the social and economic change of the 1970s and 1980s discover the impact of multiculturalism and the mining boom Delve into modern - day Australia understand the impact of the Howard years, and what led to Australia's first female prime minister.

Australian History For Dummies

Australian History For Dummies PDF

Author: Alex McDermott

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2022-03-22

Total Pages: 500

ISBN-13: 0730395480

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Discover the fascinating details that make Australia the country it is today Australian History For Dummies is your rough-and-ready tour guide through Australia's whirlwind past. We'll introduce you to the people and events that have shaped this 'Land Down Under' (and why it's called that, anyway). You'll see how Indigenous Australians lived in Australia for over 65,000 years. You'll be there as British colonists explore Australia's harsh terrain. You'll appreciate the impact of the world wars. And you'll delve into the recent past, giving you insight into modern-day Australia and what's next. Australia is a place unlike any other place, and its wild history, with more ups and downs than you'll care to count, makes for fascinating reading. Bushrangers, the gold rush, the first female prime minister—it's all inside. This new edition fills in the last ten years of history and covers issues faced in the 21st century. Explore the history of Indigenous Australia from the ancient past to the modern day Watch Australia put itself on the map—learn about the intrepid explorers and the discovery of gold Understand how and why the states were united and meet the major players who made it happen Examine the social, economic and political changes that made Australia what it is today Students, teachers and anyone else who wants to learn more about Australia’s background will love this lively, authoritative book. Relax and be entertained as Australian History For Dummies tells you the stories of the past.

Australia

Australia PDF

Author: Phillip Knightley

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2013-09-30

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 1446442993

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Australia celebrated one hundred years as a nation in 2001. This book - part history, part travelogue, part memoir - tells the inspiring story of how a one-time British colony of convicts turned itself into a prosperous and confident country. Through the eyes of ordinary people, Phillip Knightley describes Australia's journey, from federation and the trauma of the First World War, the desperate poverty of the Depression, with its attendant spectres of secret armies and near-civil war, the threat of invasion in the Second World War and the immigration that followed it, and the slow but steady decline in the relationship with Britain, the 'Mother Country', as Australia forged its own unique identity.

That'd be Right

That'd be Right PDF

Author: William McInnes

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Published: 2010-07-01

Total Pages: 215

ISBN-13: 0733625452

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'a funny and clever reminiscence about what happened in Australia over the past 30 years ... Told with a delightful insight and sense of whimsy.' Daily Telegraph In THAT'D BE RIGHT, much loved actor and author William McInnes gives his personal view on the things we love – sport, families, politics and the greatest spectator sport of them all, an election campaign. He takes the momentous landmarks that fascinate us, such as Melbourne Cup Day, Grand Final wins and election night parties, and brings them into our back yards. He also writes about early morning swimming carnivals, lawnmowers and sitting in the stands at the cricket with his son. THAT'D BE RIGHT is a biographical trip through Australian life with lots of yarns along the way.

Gough Whitlam

Gough Whitlam PDF

Author: Jenny Hocking

Publisher: The Miegunyah Press

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 494

ISBN-13: 0522855113

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This moment was not his alone, nor could it ever have come about without himaGough Whitlam turned to Graham Freudenberg, touched him lightly on the shoulder, saying, 'It's been a long road, Comrade, but we're there', and walked out to meet the spotlight... Acclaimed biographer Jenny Hocking's Gough Whitlam: A Moment in History is the first contemporary and definitive biographical study of the former Labor Prime Minister. From his childhood in the fledging city of Canberra to his first appearance as Prime Minister (playing Neville Chamberlain), to his extensive war service in the Pacific and marriage to Margaret, the champion swimmer and daughter of Justice Wilfred Dovey, the biography draws on previously unseen archival material, extensive interviews with family and colleagues, and exclusive interviews with Gough Whitlam himself. Hocking's narrative skill and scrupulous research reveals an extraordinary and complex man, whose life is, in every way, formed by the remarkable events of previous generations of his family, and who would, in turn, change Australian political and cultural developments in the twentieth century. Gough Whitlam: A Moment in History is a magnificent biography that illuminates the path that took one man to power.

Andrew Fisher

Andrew Fisher PDF

Author: Peter Bastian

Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com

Published: 2010-09

Total Pages: 670

ISBN-13: 1459603451

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Hoping to set the record straight, this biography asks why one of Australia's greatest reformers has sunk into obscurity. Calling for a reevaluation of Andew Fisher's career, the discussion reveals the skill with which he led the Australian Labor Party in its early years and the political will he demonstrated as prime minister in three separate ...

Robert Menzies

Robert Menzies PDF

Author: Troy Bramston

Publisher:

Published: 2023-08-15

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781761380631

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Robert Menzies claimed the prime ministership in 1939 and led the nation during the early years of the war, but resigned two years later when he lost the confidence of his party. His political career seemed over, and yet he staged one of the great comebacks to forge a new political party with a new philosophy, and to craft a winning electoral approach that was to make him Australia's longest-serving prime minister. The lessons Menzies learned - and the way he applied them - made him a model that every Liberal leader since has looked to for inspiration. But debate over Menzies' life and legacy has never settled. Who was Robert Menzies, what did he stand for, and what did he achieve? To find out, Troy Bramston not only researched the official record and published accounts, but also interviewed members of Menzies' family, and his former advisers and ministers. He was also given exclusive access to family letters, as well as to a series of interviews that Menzies gave that had never been revealed before. Robert Menzies contains important contemporary lessons for the Liberal Party, and for those who want to understand and master the art and science of politics. 'Troy Bramston spent an enormous amount of time finding out all he could about my father, Robert Menzies. This included interviewing me at length. Robert Menzies- the art of politics is accurate, interesting, and easy to read.' -Heather Henderson, daughter of Sir Robert and Dame Pattie Menzies 'We were all young at the time, even Menzies- but Troy Bramston has caught the flavour of an era he was barely old enough to see. Above all he has registered how Menzies, for all his faults of pomp, circumstance and fervent monarchism, did so much to create the Australia that has since established itself as the envy of the world. After WWII it was Menzies who made sure that a new generation got its education for free. As his reward, the new generation vilified him for the rest of his life. But that's Australia- a rough diamond that flays you if you hold it tight but lights the way ahead like torch. This is a thrilling book about a thrilling man. He had his faults, but his virtues are the bedrock of our inheritance.' -Clive James 'Troy Bramston's book on Robert Menzies was a good read. It contains an interesting series of reflections on Menzies' relations with other public figures, especially across the political divide. He writes clearly and well. This work is carefully researched.' -John Howard, Prime Minister of Australia 1996-2007 and author of The Menzies Era

The Enigmatic Mr Deakin

The Enigmatic Mr Deakin PDF

Author: Judith Brett

Publisher: Text Publishing

Published: 2017-08-14

Total Pages: 512

ISBN-13: 1925410889

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Alfred Deakin—scholar, spiritualist, prime minister—was instrumental in creating modern Australia. In the first biography of Deakin in more than half a century, the acclaimed political historian Judith Brett deftly weaves together his public, private and family lives. She brings out from behind the image of a worthy, bearded father of federation the principled and passionate, gifted and eccentric figure whose legacy continues to shape the contours of the nation’s politics. Judith Brett is the award-winning author of Robert Menzies’ Forgotten People, emeritus professor of politics at La Trobe University and one of Australia’s leading political thinkers. She contributes regularly to the Monthly and has written three Quarterly Essays. ‘This is the first book to bring together the spiritual, political and personal life of one of Australia's most significant politicians – Alfred Deakin. As Brett deftly explores and weaves these strands together we begin to understand Alfred Deakin, his motivations and indeed his enigmatic qualities. This is a psychological study of Australia's former Prime Minister. Beginning with his Melburnian upbringing Brett shows how his social and familial context shaped him. The city of Melbourne of the period is revealed as crucial to how we are to comprehend and understand Deakin. Brett is a fine writer, and the text displays her curiosity and her depth of knowledge. This is a comprehensive work which will stand as a definitive source on Alfred Deakin.’ Prime Minister’s Literary Awards 2018, Judges’ comments ‘Truly one of the great political biographies of our time, a delicately nuanced, warm and insight account of—my personal misgiving aside—one of the most noteworthy political figures in Australian history.’ Inside Story ‘The Enigmatic Mr Deakin stands as the culmination of her work on the history, politics and philosophy of Australian liberals, and it is the one biography of Deakin to which we will repeatedly return. Brett’s writing is capable of extraordinary clarity, insight and compassion.’ Monthly ‘Judith Brett has proven the perfect biographer...’ Jason Steger on National Biography Award win, Sydney Morning Herald ‘A significant contribution to biography and political history that is beautifully written and full of interest.’ Royal Victorian Historical Society ‘Accessible and informative, this style of biography layers facts over questions that draw in readers curious about what makes human beings do the things we do. This is biography for our times.’ Daily Review ‘The Enigmatic Mr Deakin explores our second prime minister’s career with full attention to his intense inner life and family relationships. Her title points to the puzzles, but Brett doesn’t simplify; she ponders, suggests, dramatises. Closely observed and psychologically persuasive, this is more than a life-and-times; it is a life.’ Australian Book Review ‘This excellent biography will appeal to general readers, students and anyone interested in historical biography.’ Books+Publishing ‘A woman’s eye on a powerful man has never felt so penetrating, perceptive and, surprisingly, loving.’ Clare Wright, Sydney Morning Herald’s Year in Reading ‘Alfred Deakin, long my favourite Victorian, was truly the full package: polymath, progressive, idealist, spiritualist, man of action. And he had a fantastic beard. All he lacked was a good biography—but not anymore.’ Saturday Paper, Best Books of 2017 ‘In this engrossing and quietly profound biography, Judith Brett brings Deakin back into Australia’s contemporary political imagination, so we can better understand how he shaped the country we live in today...In this age of increasingly polarised politics, Brett’s book is at once a warm portrait of a great politician and a sharp provocation to today’s leaders to forge a better way.’ John Daley, CEO Grattan Institute, Prime Minister’s Summer Reading List 2017 A richly rewarding excursion into the private mind and emotions but also into the public life and times of a remarkable individual, full of surprising detail and profound observations about the Australian polity...Among the very best political biographies written in Australia.’ Judges’ Comments, National Biography Award, 2018

The History Wars

The History Wars PDF

Author: Stuart Macintyre

Publisher: Melbourne Univ. Publishing

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 314

ISBN-13: 0522851282

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'The History Wars is very important. The book will sit on the shelves of libraries as a code stone to help people understand the motivations of players in today's contemporary debate. It sheds light on the political battle which is carried on in the pubs and on the footpaths about who we are and what has become of us.' andmdash; Hon. Paul Keating, Prime Minister of Australia, 1991-1996 The nation's history has probably never been more politicised than it is today. Politicians, journalists, columnists, academics and Australians from all walks of life argue passionately andmdash; and often, ideologically andmdash; about the significance of the national story: the cherished ideal of the 'fair go', the much contested facts of Indigenous dispossession, the Anzac legend, and the nation's strategic alliance with the United States. Historians have become both combatants and casualties in this war of words. In The History Wars, Stuart Macintyre and Anna Clark explore how this intense public debate has polarised the nation and paralysed history departments. This edition includes a new afterword by Stuart Macintyre which recounts, with rueful irony, the outbreak of controversy that followed the book's original publication, and the further light it shed on the uses and abuses of Australian history.

Gough Whitlam: His Time Updated Edition

Gough Whitlam: His Time Updated Edition PDF

Author: Jenny Hocking

Publisher: Melbourne Univ. Publishing

Published: 2014-11-10

Total Pages: 955

ISBN-13: 0522868045

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Gough Whitlam, Australia's twenty-first prime minister, swept to power in December 1972, ending twenty-three years of conservative rule. In barely three years Whitlam's dramatic reform agenda would transform Australia. It was an ascendancy bitterly resented by some, never accepted by others, and ended with dismissal by the Governor-General just three years later—an outcome that polarised debate and left many believing the full story had not been told. In this much-anticipated second volume of her biography of Gough Whitlam, Jenny Hocking has used previously unearthed archival material and extensive interviews with Gough Whitlam, his family, colleagues and foes, to bring the key players in these dramatic events to life. The identity of the mysterious 'third man', who counselled the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr, in his decision to sack the twice-elected Whitlam government and appoint Malcolm Fraser as prime minister is confirmed here by Kerr himself, as the High Court justice Sir Anthony Mason, and the full story of his involvement is now revealed for the first time. From Kerr's private papers Hocking details months of secret meetings and conversations between Kerr and Mason in the lead-up to the dismissal, that had remained hidden for over thirty-seven years. In response to these revelations Sir Anthony Mason released an extensive public statement, acknowledging his role and disclosing additional information that is fully explored in this new edition. This definitive biography takes us behind the political intrigue to reveal a devastated Whitlam and his personal struggle in the aftermath of the dismissal, the unfulfilled years that followed and his eventual political renewal as Australia's ambassador to UNESCO. It also tells, through the highs and the lows of his decades of public life, how Whitlam depended absolutely on the steadfast support of the love of his life, his wife, Margaret. For this is also the story of a remarkable marriage and an enduring partnership. The truth of this tumultuous period in Australia's history is finally revealed in Gough Whitlam: His Time