Responses to Gold

A great amount of Gold found in Victoria early days(Source: http://136.154.202.7/discoverycentre/infosheets/gold-in-victoria/)

Major goldfields in Vic back to the days of gold-rushes. (Source: http://new.dpi.vic.gov.au/earth-resources/industries/minerals/metals/gold)

In the late 19th century, with the irruptive and the overall exploration of Australia, convicts and settlers had gained much better understanding of this vast continent. In the course of development, a growing number of flora and fauna had been continually discovered and recognised. Among all those discoveries, the most exciting and attractive item was gold. It was the New South Walse that had been first found the existence of gold. Later, Victoria became the largest and major goldfield. Historians like Russel Ward argues the discoveries of gold in Victoria has exerted a great influence on the development of Australia in terms of urbanisation, economy, culture, population, labour movement and even the advancement of democracy.

First, due to the reputation of gold discoveries of Victoria, there were numerous immigrants flooding into Victoria. Those immigrants were not only from Western Australia and Tasmania, but also from the overseas such as Europe, America and China. Consequently, by the end of 19th century, an explosive increase in Victoria population took place. Consequently, new cities and towns boomed. People all carries the dreams of gold and wealth landing in Victoria. They dreamed that one day they could bring the wealth back home. However, the probability of finding gold was lowering with the increase of population. Moreover, according to the British law at that time, all properties and discoveries of resources in colonies belonged to the 'crown' or royalty. Thus, there was a fierce conflict between the state-regulated mining and private development of mineral resources. Miners who intended to extract the gold had to purchase mining license from government. Even if one was lucky to gain the gold and tried to sell it, they would have to pay tax in order to conduct transactions. 

Waves of immigrants who longed for the gold and wealth occurred in Victoria. (Source: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~peterpjw/Poor%20Polly/image_sources.html)

The influx of gold diggers lead to the appearance of new towns and cities in Victoria. (Source: http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an10267866-50)

Moreover, gold rushes provoked abounding anxieties and hostilities. First, with more and more people obtained the gold and wealth, they started to demand more political rights and higher social status. Such demands were easily linked up the intention of subverting the established authority and social hierarchy by ruling elites. However, the desire of being equal laid the foundation for the future egalitarianism. Secondly, the unbalanced growth of population in goldfields triggered by gold-rushes shaped a male-dominated society. Women, again, were largely excluded from gold-rushes. Additionally, the eager for gold led to the movement of anti-immigration and racism. Particularly, Chinese immigrants were the primary victims. In both New South Wales and Victoria, many violent incidents and riots were against Chinese miners since they had depicted as people who plundered treasures of Europeans or whites. Today, historians see this anti-Chinese movement as irrational and cruel. Historians rate at its full value the contribution that Chinese had done to the development of Australia. 

"Selling Miner's Rights on the rush to Myer's Creek, Bendigo, 1868." A series of political unrest happened to respond the hierarchy of colonial society in Victoria. (Source: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~peterpjw/Poor%20Polly/image_sources.html)

Chinese immigrants had been mistreated by Europeans. Later, most Chinese miners left Australia. (Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/finding-their-gold/story-e6frewui-1111115588123)

Thirdly, the significance of Eureka Rebellion occurred in the time of gold-rushes is still the bone of contention among today's historians. Eureka Rebellion happened in Victoria in 1854. A group of miners gathered together to protest the local authority. Eureka Rebellion lasted for 22 minutes and 5 soldiers were killed. In terms of the significance of this political movement, global context should be considered. At that time, a series of political reforming movement happened in Europe to advocate social equality. Especially, the Charist movement derived from Britain profoundly influenced the Eureka Rebellion. Most historians like Dr H.V. Evatt and Geoffrey Searle in the 20th century claims that the Eureka Rebellion marked the beginning of Australian democracy. Miners were fighting against the hierarchical authority to obtain their basic rights. Other historians even rose this event to a higher level. Ross, Gollan, and Mallony asserts that it is since the Eureka Rebellion that Australian national identity began to emerge. And finally, an identity of equalitarianism and anti-authority were shaped through years. 

In the Eureka Rebellion, many protesters were killed. It signifies the birth of Australian democracy and national identity. (Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Rebels-redcoats-and-a-bloody-dawn/2004/12/02/1101923272413.html)

The flag of Southern Cross gave birth by Eureka Rebellion. It represents a brand-new start of Australian history. Later more and more people advocates changing Australian national flag to this one. (Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/18/2986048.htm)

However, some historians such as Macnaughton questions the significance of Eureka event. He argues that before the Eureka Rebellion, Victorian constitution had been sent to England for approval and confirmation. If there was an urgency of political reform, it would occur before the constitution had been sent to England. Portus and Blainey argue Eureka Rebellion did not trigger the emergence of labour movement. Instead, it generated a new generation of ruling elites.