as experiences of non-european groups that came to australia - chinese

Question 1

Why did the Chinese come to Australia?

Answer 1

• Several thousand Chinese had come to Australia before the Gold Rushes of the 1850s, and they had come as indentured labourers. This meant that they had to work to pay off the cost of their voyage to Aus.
• The gold rushes of 1851 led to a new wave of Chinese migrants. From the first Victorian gold rushes onwards, the number of Chinese people in Australia quickly reached approximately 50,000
• They also wanted to escape environmental, economic and political difficulties
  in China
• Most came from impoverished areas in southern China

Question 2

Describe the typical working conditions of the Chinese in Australia:

Answer 2

During the Australian gold rushes, significant numbers of workers relocated to areas in which gold had been discovered. In 1851, gold-seekers from around the world began pouring into the colonies, changing the course of Australian history.
The gold rushes greatly expanded Australia’s population, boosted its economy, and led to the emergence of a new national identity.

Question 3

Describe the typical living conditions of the Chinese in Australia:

Answer 3

Hoping to reduce the numbers of Chinese, a tax of ten pounds was imposed on all Chinese
migrants entering Victoria. In response, the Chinese landed in Robe, South Australia and
journeyed overland to Victoria.

Question 4

The Chineses’ contribution to the Colonies/Australia: 1. TRADE AND ECONOMY

Answer 4

• Since the 1800s, Chinese migrants have been good for Australian trade importing and
  exporting goods that weren’t available
• Many migrants set up small businesses which have been very important for the Australian economy, such as corner stores, fruit and veg shops, restaurants, cabinet-makers
• Chinese Australians have also made major contributions to the fields of medicine, accountancy, public administration and architecture

Question 5

The Chineses’ contribution to the Colonies/Australia: 2. DEVELOPMENT OF MULTICULTURALISM IN AUSTRALIA

Answer 5

• Chinese communities across Australia grew socially and politically more complex with
  the development of Chinese newspapers and businesses
• The Chinese were also involved in the political and social life of Australia
• They protested against discriminatory laws and attitudes in Australia, in particular the Immigration Restriction Act which was introduced in 1901
• They also worked as entrepreneurs who helped provide goods and services for the growing Chinese population

Question 6

Two interesting facts about source: (The Lambing Flat riot)

Answer 6

• The Chinese were on horses and were holding weapons
• The British government who were holding the “Down with the Chinese” poster, had some people on the ground, looking scared after being threatened by the Chinese