This episode charts the story of the nation from 1897 to 1929 as agriculture transforms the land. Explorer Douglas Mawson, swimmer Annette Kellerman and the men fighting under Britain in World War I become the new nation’s first heroes.
Sport and comedy offer some relief from the hunger and hopelessness of the Great Depression - at least until war breaks out. Australia sends troops to Europe to fight beside Britain, but when Japan invades Pearl Harbor, the nation turns to America for protection and pulls troops out of the Middle East. Fighting reaches Darwin.
The government adopts the slogan ‘populate or perish’ after World War II and immigration changes the face of Australia. This influx of labour, as well as the diversification of the economy, delivers increasing prosperity. National identity is embraced but Indigenous people face racism and discrimination - and their children are removed, creating the stolen generations.
The public supports Australia joining the Vietnam War - but not conscription - until the toll becomes apparent. Awareness grows about discrimination and the extent of everyday racism against Indigenous people - and about land rights. Gender inequality in the workforce and elsewhere also becomes an issue in the 1960s.
Soon after Federation, the family unit is buffeted by world conflicts, poverty and disease, but then new attitudes sweep in. Workplace laws are less restrictive on women, spouses no longer have to give a reason to divorce, and the contraceptive pill arrives, all of which leads to a loosening of rigid gender roles.
Sport and the arts are imported from Britain and are already embedded in society at Federation in 1901. Fuelled by sunshine and leisure time, homegrown heroes emerge, including Phar Lap, the Australian cricket team, surf lifesavers, Dame Nellie Melba and the hit films that perpetuate and reflect Australia’s character.
Those in authority in Australia at the time of Federation envisage a prosperous and civilised nation of hardworking citizens. But modern Australia grew out of a drunken penal colony and people remain under the thrall of alcohol and drugs and are fascinated by murder and mischief. But the public do rise up against capital punishment and it is abolished national wide.
Agriculture, manufacturing, and a growing population supplemented by immigration, transform Australia into a prosperous nation over the course of a century. There are growing pains and challenges, including war and Depression, but there is also the birth of iconic brands such as Myer, Bushells, and Vegemite.
