From the beginning of the gold rush the diggers on the NSW and Victorian goldfields had many grievances (PDF 255kB) about the licence fee paid to the government and the methods used by the police or traps to collect the fees.
Many miners who arrived on the goldfields from British colonies saw Australia as an escape from British rule and its oppressive class system.
But Australia was a British colony; therefore the laws, and the system of government, were the same.
The diggers wanted more; they wanted a democratic and egalitarian society.
1. How democratic was the way of life on the goldfields?
Investigate what it was like for Chinese miners. Record an audio presentation (DOCX 123kB) with Audacity or Anchor, or write a letter.
2. Watch a video clip about the issue of gold licences and Victorian Governor Hotham’s reaction to it (click here for transcript and notes).
Answer questions on a worksheet (DOCX 135kB).
3. Are taxes necessary?
Persuade (DOCX 130kB) miners that the gold tax is an important means of obtaining revenue to develop the economy.
4. Riot or rebellion? List (DOCX 120kB) the miners’ grievances and examine how the events of 7th October 1854 triggered the formation of the Ballarat Reform League Charter.
Witness the raising of the flag of the Southern Cross at a monster meeting on Bakery Hill as a result of the increased licence hunts.
5. Research (DOCX 122kB) the symbolism of the Eureka flag.
‘We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and freedom.’ Peter Lalor
6. Search for images such as drawings, paintings and photographs, which tell the story of the fight for liberty and justice culminating in the Eureka uprising.
Use the images to construct a timeline of events.
7. The Eureka uprising was the turning point in British rule. Post your opinion on a blog.