Australian nationalism

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Australian nationalism is the ideology, movement and sentiment that emphasizes the identity, culture, and interests of Australia as a nation-state, asserting the identity of Australians as a distinct nation, regardless of its previously derivative and colonial status. [1] [2] It encompasses a range of beliefs and values that are often rooted in Australia's history, geography, and socio-political context. [3] Key elements of Australian nationalism include a sense of national pride, attachment to Australian symbols such as the flag and national anthem, and a focus on promoting Australia's sovereignty and independence. [4]

Contents

Historically, Australian nationalism emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Australia moved towards federation and gained independence from British colonial rule, [2] [5] developing itself in three pivotal historical traditions: the labour movement, the republican movement and nativism. [6] It was shaped by factors such as the experiences of early settlers and the desire for a distinct Australian identity separate from British influence. [2] [7]

History

Pre-Federation

By the early 19th century, Australia was governed as a series of six largely self-governing colonies that were spread across the continent and were part of the British Empire. [8] The name Australia was popularised by explorer Matthew Flinders and first used officially by Governor Macquarie. [9] Some historians have described the first emergence of an Australian national movement in the mid-19th century. [10] Attempts to coordinate governance had failed in the 1860s due to a lack of popular support and lack of interest from the British government, but by the 1880s, and with the rise of nationalist movements in Europe, the efforts to establish a federation of the Australian colonies began to gather momentum. The British government supported federation as a means to cement British influence in the South Pacific. [11]

Figures like William Wentworth, John Dunmore Lang and Banjo Patterson championed Australian identity during the colonial era.

Post-Federation

Nationalistic sentiments increased as a result of Australia's participation in the First and Second World Wars, with concepts such as "mateship" becoming a cornerstone of Australian nationalism. [12]

Flags

Flags used by Australian nationalists

See also

References

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Knight 1995 , p. 3: "Australian Nationalists assert that Australia is also a Nation regardless of our previously derivative and colonial status. The Australia Nation by its actions, creations, and expressions carries an Idea."
  2. 1 2 3 "Nationalism in Australia". Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "Surrendering nationalism". Griffith Review. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  4. ↑ Christopher Scanlon (25 January 2014). "Australia Day: is nationalism really so bad?". The Conversation. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
  5. ↑ Hirst 2009.
  6. ↑ Saleam 2000.
  7. ↑ Pascale 2022.
  8. ↑ Crisp 1949.
  9. ↑ "Who Named Australia?". The Mail (Adelaide, South Australia). Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 11 February 1928. p. 16. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  10. ↑ Blackton, Charles Stuart (1941). "Earl Grey and Australia's First National Movement, 1846-1852". Pacific Historical Review. 10 (3): 297–309. doi:10.2307/3633925. ISSN   0030-8684.
  11. ↑ Trainor 1994, p. 3-4.
  12. ↑ Trainor 1994, p. 4.

Sources

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