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.[1] It encompasses a range of beliefs and values that are often rooted in Australia's history, geography, and socio-political context.[2] 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.[3]
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7f/Australian_national_flag.jpg/263px-Australian_national_flag.jpg)
Historically, Australian nationalism emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as Australia moved towards federation and gained independence from British colonial rule,[1][4] developing itself in three pivotal historical traditions: the labour movement, the republican movement and the native-nationalist movement.[5] It was shaped by factors such as the experiences of early settlers and the desire for a distinct Australian identity separate from British influence.[1][6]
History
editPre-Federation
editBy 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.[7] The name Australia was popularised by explorer Matthew Flinders and first used officially by Governor Macquarie.[8] 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.[9]
Figures like William Wentworth, John Dunmore Lang and Banjo Patterson championed Australian identity during the colonial era.
Post-Federation
editNationalistic 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.[10]
See also
editFlags
editFlags used by Australian Nationalists
edit-
Older variations of the Australian flag
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"The Men From Snowy River" flag used during World War I snowball marches
References
edit- ^ a b c "Nationalism in Australia". Archived from the original on 1 September 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
- ^ "Surrendering nationalism". Griffith Review. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
- ^ Christopher Scanlon (25 January 2014). "Australia Day: is nationalism really so bad?". The Conversation. Retrieved 11 March 2016.
- ^ John Bradley Hirst (2009). Sense and Nonsense in Australian History. Black Inc. ISBN 9781921825408.
- ^ Pascale, Carmela (2022). History, Territory and Sovereignty: Celebrating Settler Nationalism in South Australia, 1900–1968 (PhD thesis). The University of Adelaide. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
- ^ Crisp, Leslie (1949). The Parliamentary Government of the Commonwealth of Australia. Adelaide: Longmans, Green & Co. Lotd. pp. 2.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Trainor, Luke (1 January 1994). British Imperialism and Australian Nationalism: Manipulation, Conflict and Compromise in the Late Nineteenth Century. Cambridge University Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 9780521436045.
- ^ Trainor, Luke (1 January 1994). British Imperialism and Australian Nationalism: Manipulation, Conflict and Compromise in the Late Nineteenth Century. Cambridge University Press. p. 4. ISBN 9780521436045.