Myall Creek Massacre Flashcards
Where is Myall Creek located?
North East of New South Wales
Massacre Definition:
an indiscriminate and brutal slaughter of many people.
Significant points to remember about the massacre:
- On the 10th of June, 1838, 12 white stockmen were tied together and stabbed. Limbs were torn from babies.
- These people were left to rot
- There were many massacres in different parts of NSW
- Descendants of both sides of the story are trying to make it right
- Each year 100s or 1000s of people meet at Myall Creek
It’s been 180 years since the massacre, and 20 years since the descendants met for the first time
NAME AND DEFINE
Think about WHAT
What happened during the massacre? Where and when did it happen?
12 Europeans massacred at least 28 Aboriginal people at Myall Creek Station on Sunday June 10, 1838.
DESCRIBE
Think about WHAT
Describe the key elements of the massacre, including key events and the key people involved.
When Fleming’s group arrived, the station was attended by just two convict stockmen, George Anderson and Charles Kilmeister (both of whom had been assigned to Henry Dangar at Myall Creek), and two young Aboriginal men (Davy and Billy) from another area. Fearing the worst, the group of around 30 women, children and elderly people fled to Anderson and Kilmeister’s hut, while two young boys dived into a nearby creek and escaped.
EXPLAIN
Think about WHY
Why was this event so significant? Why did it gather so much public attention and scrutiny?
What was different about this massacre compared to other violent attacks occurring around the same time?
Use specific examples.
This event was so important because many people died as a result of this invasion. It was a fight between black versus white which still occurs today. This was the first event to have the Europeans punished for their massacres to the Indigenous.
In December 1837, Acting Governor Snodgrass authorised local policeman Major James Nunn to ‘repress’ Aboriginal attacks, essentially by whatever means he deemed appropriate.
ANALYSE
Think about HOW
How did the massacre and the subsequent trial influence the legal system of the colony?
Use specific examples.
Because the massacre was so huge and drew lots of attention, the government decided to make action. This was also the first time in history where the Europeans were punished for massacring the Indigenous.
“Many believed that white people could not and should not be punished for killing black people, and some landowners and squatters whose livelihoods were at stake raised funds (itself a crime) for the legal defence of the eleven.” This is why Europeans weren’t previously punished.
EVALUATE
Think about HOW WELL/
IMPORTANCE
Were there long term impacts as a result of the changes to the legal system?
How were subsequent attacks against Aboriginal people viewed by the public and dealt with by the legal system?
Europeans were punished for any massacres after this.
After this the Europeans were punished, the whites tried to cover up what they did and weren’t bragging as much.
