History of Australia (1901-1945) (Paperback)

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles The history of Australia from 1901-1945 begins with the federation of the colonies to create the Commonwealth of Australia. The beginning of the twentieth century saw the final result of nearly two decades of negotiations with regard to federation, with the approval of a federal constitution by all six Australian colonies and its subsequent ratification by the British parliament in 1900. This resulted in the creation of one federal Australian state as of 1 January 1901. Federation was a symbol of unity and gave people the chance to be 'Australian'. Melbourne was chosen as the temporary seat of government while a purpose-designed capital city, Canberra, was constructed. The future King George V, then the Duke of York, opened the first Parliament of Australia on 9 May 1901, and his successor, (later to be King George VI) opened the first session in Canberra during May 1927. Australia became officially autonomous in both internal and external affairs with the passage of the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act on 9 October 1942.