Australia's Frontier Wars: Fighting for Country
Understanding the conflicts between Aboriginal peoples and European settlers Year 4 History Learning about our shared past
What is Country?
Country means the land that Aboriginal people belong to It includes rivers, mountains, animals and plants Aboriginal people have lived on Country for over 65,000 years Country is very important to Aboriginal culture and identity
European Settlement Begins
The First Fleet arrived in 1788 Captain Arthur Phillip established Sydney Cove European settlers didn't understand Aboriginal connection to Country No treaties were signed with Aboriginal peoples
Think About This
How would you feel if strangers came to your home and said it was now theirs? What would you do to protect your family and your special places?
What Were the Frontier Wars?
Conflicts between Aboriginal peoples and European settlers Happened across Australia from 1788 to 1930s Aboriginal people were defending their Country Settlers wanted land for farming and towns
Two Different Ways of Life
{"left":"Aboriginal peoples lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years\nEuropean settlers wanted to change the land for farming\nAboriginal people shared the land with their community","right":"European settlers believed in owning individual pieces of land\nAboriginal peoples moved seasonally following food sources\nEuropean settlers built permanent towns and fences"}
Aboriginal Resistance and Leadership
Aboriginal leaders fought to protect their people and Country They used their knowledge of the land to resist Some leaders tried to make peace through talking Many Aboriginal people showed great courage defending their homes
Understanding Different Perspectives
Work in pairs to discuss: How might an Aboriginal child feel about losing their special places? How might a settler child feel about living in a new, unfamiliar place? What could both groups have done differently to avoid conflict?
Learning from the Past
The Frontier Wars are an important part of Australian history We can learn about courage, resilience and standing up for what's right Understanding this history helps us be more respectful today We can work together to build a better future for all Australians
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