The Eureka Stockade

Australia's history is shorter and less eventful than Europe's or the United States'. It has some history. It primarily centers on the country serving as a British penal colony.

I wrote a story last month about Ned Kelly, who is probably Australia's most famous bushranger:

A key event was the Eureka Stockade. In 1854, gold miners led a brief but significant rebellion against the colonial government. I have a personal connection to this event. I spent six years at a boarding school in Ballarat, where it happened. For me, boarding school was like being in my own personal Eureka Stockade battle.

The Eureka Rebellion

In early 1851, the government of New South Wales announced gold had been found near Bathurst. Later in the year, the Victorian government announced the discovery of gold around Ballarat.

This was a catalyst for significant change in Australia. The idea that you could find your fortune drew people from all over the country and the globe. It marked the beginning of the great Australian dream, which has endured a long history. A belief that Australia was a lucky country.

Over the short space of nine years, Victoria's population increased by over 700%, from 76,000 to 540,000. This massive influx of people was a serious challenge for the government. They had little money to offer services to citizens. The colonial budget was also in the red.

To deter the further influx of people and raise funds, the Governor at the time introduced a gold license. Initially, the surface gold made it seem like it wasn't a problem. However, when the surface gold ran out, the license amount became a significant issue.

In 1853, miners began holding rallies. They condemned the licensing system. They also accused the police of corruption, extortion, and bribery. Many claimed the police imprisoned innocent people.

The police responded by conducting more license checks, intensifying harassment, and escalating militancy. Miners were reportedly tied to trees as punishment. (From personal experience, Ballarat is very cold at night.)

The conflict escalated when a Scottish miner was killed at the Eureka Hotel in Ballarat. James Bentley, the proprietor of the hotel, was accused of murder. He was acquitted by a judge who was known to have taken bribes from Bentley. It infuriated the miners, labeling it a miscarriage of justice.

In response, a small group set the hotel on fire. The miners demanded the release of the men, which infuriated the Governor.

Over the next weeks, the miners held many meetings. The most notable occurred at Bakery Hill. Peter Lalor was elected leader of the miners' revolt here. This is also where the Southern Cross flag was born.

It was a mark of allegiance.

"To stand truly by each other, and fight to defend our rights and liberties."

The Eureka Battle

The battle at Eureka was short: less than thirty minutes. The rebellion was a spontaneous act against the British government. Activist Peter Lalor led it.

The stockade was made from timbers from the nearby mine fields. On November 30, many diggers formed military companies. They elected Peter Lalor as their commander in chief and built a crude stockade.

On December 3, 300 mounted police and foot soldiers surrounded 150 diggers in the stockade. They had support from 150 soldiers. After refusing to come out, the diggers opened fire on the government forces.

Many believe that 22 diggers and 5 troopers died, but the death toll is uncertain. Lalor escaped and remained in hiding until amnesty was declared.

None of the rebels accused of treason were convicted. The Eureka Stockade rising accelerated the enactment of reforms, which followed in 1855.

The Eureka Stockade Legacy

In March 1855, a Commission of Enquiry released its recommendations. The license fee was removed and replaced by an export duty and a nominal £1 per year miner's right.

Half the police on the goldfields were fired. One warden replaced many gold commissioners. These commissioners had issued the licenses and were often corrupt.

This was Australia's claim to fame in terms of rebellions. Rather pathetic, really, given the length of time it ran for.

The miners' rebellion at the Eureka Stockade was pivotal to Australia's political development. It shaped views on democracy and equality.

The flag they pledged allegiance to, the "Southern Cross," is now a common symbol of protest. Supporters of the Australian republic and trade union movements have also adopted it.

[Author's note: If you are wondering what the shortest recorded rebellion is, it's the Anglo-Zanzibar War. This lasted between 38 and 45 minutes. The conflict in 1896 involved the British Empire and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. It stemmed from the British attempt to control the succession of the Sultan after the death of the pro-British Sultan Hamad bin Thuwaini.]

Till next time,

Calvin