Living And Working Conditions In Australia At The Turn Of The Twentieth Century Flashcards
When did Australia receive a great influx of immigrants, what caused this and what did it cause?
1850s. Due to the gold rush. Led to the development of cities such as Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney.
What opportunities did Australians have that others didn’t?
Higher wages (because of labour shortage), better working conditions (to attract skilled workers). Able to choose employer. Had a life expectancy of 47, 4 years higher than the male workers in Britain. Earned Australia the reputation as a “working man’s paradise”.
Australian workers had a lot of time on their hands, as the working hours were very short. What are some of the ways they spent this time?
Carnivals, celebrations, picnics, spectator sports (eg, cricket, football, horse racing). A bicycle craze swept through Australia, with the introduction of penny farthings. Some people objected to women riding bicycles.
What percentage of Australians attended church in the 1900s?
50%
Why was church important to people?
The church provided a lot of social stuff like picnics, sports carnivals, fetes and concerts. The problem with the church that it often caused many fights between people of different ethnic/religious backgrounds.
Summarise living conditions for the average worker in 29th century Australia.
Houses were overcrowded and unhygienic, several families cramped together in one house. Was a breeding ground for rats and fleas, which carried disease. Houses were often very close to factories and industrial areas. Waste was disposed of into waterways.
What was the major health problem in Sydney in the 20th century and how did the authorities deal with it?
An outbreak of the bubonic plague. Houses of the affected were fumigated and disinfected, and rat catchers were employed to trap, kill and burn as many rats as possible.
What were the benefits of being wealthy?
Didn’t have to work. Were able to receive a good education. Could get good jobs and earn more money. Could afford bigger houses in better areas.
Summarise working conditions in factories.
Poorly ventilated, stifling heat, long hours, low wages.
What happened in 1891, and what did this cause?
Economic depression. Work was harder to find, and wages were much lower.
What were the most common jobs for women during the 20th century?
Domestic services, nannying, teaching or nursing.
Why did women have worse working conditions than men?
They were not allowed to enter trade unions, who would protect their rights as workers.
Overall, how were women seen in the 20th century?
Dependent of their husband, property of their husband. Unequal.
What were the selection acts?
Series of acts by the British government to attract more British immigrants, where the immigrants were offered land to attempt to build a farm.
Why were most selectors so unsuccessful?
They had no experience, bad land and could not deal with bushfires, floods and bad weather that was so different to the British weather.
