Why did the colonies join together?

Question 1

Fear of invasion / defense

Answer 1

Each colony was small by world standards with few people. There was a great deal of land and coastline to defend. By combining the resources of each colony an effective defense force could be established.

Question 2

Interstate trade/ Free Trade

Answer 2

As individual colonies each had different restrictions on trade and different levels of fees and charges on incoming goods from each other. This was administratively costly and wasted a great deal of time when each border was crossed making deliveries. Becoming one country eliminated these problems.

Question 3

Inconsistent laws

Answer 3

There were many laws and associated penalties which were different from colony to colony. As the movement of people and trade increased between the colonies, this became confusing and administratively costly. Becoming one country eliminated these problems.

Question 4

Immigration

Answer 4

The regulations associated with who could become citizens of each colony were different. It was possible to enter one colony under certain regulations and then travel to another the next day to another colony and so avoid its regulations. Becoming one country eliminated these inconsistencies.

Question 5

National Pride

Answer 5

By becoming one independent country (rather than a series of individual colonies of the UK) the new Australia was launched onto the world stage with all other independent nations. Citizens of all colonies were very proud of this.