Australian History for Dummies

Want to be in the driver's seat as you explore the important events of Australia's past and present? Let this fun and informative book serve as your tour guide, introducing you to the people who helped shape Australia's history. Find out about life down under, and discover all the intriguing details the dry history textbooks left out!

• Explore the history of Aboriginal Australia — see how indigenous Australians lived in Australia for over 40,000 years before colonisation

• Track the early years of European settlement — find out why the British settled Australia and what the challenges and successes were

• Learn about the intrepid explorers and the discovery of gold — watch as Australia hits the big time and puts itself on the map

• Witness the birth of a nation — understand how and why the states were united and meet the major players who made it happen

• Appreciate the impact of the World Wars — uncover the roots of the Anzac legend and the effects of the postwar baby boom and immigration

• Examine the social and economic changes of recent decades — discover the impact of multiculturalism and how Hawke, Keating and Howard shook up the economy and opened Australia to the world

• Delve into modern-day Australia — understand the impact of the Howard years, and what led to Australia's first female prime minister

Open the book and find:

• How European settlers forged inland to open up Australia's fertile land

• Details of iconic Australians, from politicians to bushrangers and sportspeople to scientists

• The origins of the terra nullius theory and the Mabo verdict on native title

• Analysis of the culture wars and their impact on Australian life

• The game-changing moments in Australia's history

• Inventions that Australians have given the world

Learn to:

• Identify the significant events and people that shaped Australia

• Grasp the impact of Indigenous culture, colonisation and immigration

• Understand events such as the gold rush, Gallipoli and the baby boom

• Appreciate Australia's great cultural, scientific and sporting feats