How did the general public show support for Federation?
Thank you for your thoughtful question, Madeleine!
The main way Australians showed their support for Federation was by voting for it. Australians voted for Federation at a series of referendums on the draft bill to create the Commonwealth of Australia.
The general public also showed their support for Federation by:
- writing newspaper articles and leaflets calling for the Australian colonies to join together
- joining Federation clubs
- attending lectures and conferences calling for Federation
- writing and reciting songs and poems.
On the day Australia became a nation, 1 January 1901, Australians also showed their support for Federation by:
- attending parades
- holding school pageants
- organising firework displays
- decorating main streets and buildings.
People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899
State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589
People line up outside a polling station on referendum day, Brisbane, 1899
State Library of Queensland, Image No. 109589
Description
A black and white photograph taken in 1899 of a group of people – mostly men, although there are some women and children (and a dog). They are gathered around the entrance of a polling booth, a sign above the entrance to the building reads 'Polling Booth Brisbane North'. Two constables stand at the door. The polling booth is set up for voters to have their say in a referendum on whether they approve the draft Australian Constitution.