Реферат: The history of Australia

In many ways, America and Australia have had corresponding histories of exploration, colonization, immigration, and growth. Both began with settlements on the fringes of huge continents, gradually pushing inward to cultivate a wilderness interior. And both developed a frontier ethos of independence.

As the convicts earned their freedom, they went into the outback and staked claims on land. These men, known as Squatters, raised sheep or cattle, depending on the type of land they found for themselves.

Other convicts however reverted to their criminal ways and became outlaws, raiding the towns and stealing from the squatters. The early part of Australian history is filled with the tales of the settlers. These bushrangers often became folk-heroes in the tradition of Robin Hood and Dick Turpin in England, and Jesse James in the United States. Many poems and songs were written about them and at one time it was a criminal offence to sing or recite these ballads which glorified crime. Nonetheless, every Australian today knows the stories of the famous bushrangers. These ballads and songs started the tradition of Australian “yarn” and its heroes, Dad’s Dave among them.

The hard rough life in the outback was no place for women. The Squatters searched the towns for wives to take to their stations. It wasn’t very pleasant prospect for a new bride, but some girls were lucky enough to undertake the adventure. The image of a typical Australian was a tall, thin and blond man who was called a “Cornstalk”, sometimes wearing a cabbage tree hat.

Australians celebrated their bicentennial beginning Jan. 26, 1988 and continuing all next year. On that date in 1788, 11 ships arrived from Britain, and 1.030 settlers, including 776 convicts, began their new life in waterfront section of Sydney called “the Rocks”.

Australia’s Ties With Great Britain And The USA

Initially, Britain and the Commonwealth countries were the central elements of Australia’s foreign policy and activity. Later, closer relations were also developed with the USA, partly because of the vital role it played in the Pacific during and after World War II.

Australia can seem quite British at times and somewhat American at others. Political, legal, and educational institutions derive from Britain. Each state capital is named after a colonial politician (Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Hobart, Melbourne) or British royal figure (Adelaide). Dry and witheringly hot towns bear names from England’s green and pleasant land. The representative of the England queen is the formal head of the governmental structure. Only since 1984 has required that a civil servant in Australia be an Australian – previously it was sufficient to be British.

American influence comes in culture, technology, defense arrangements, and business. Books from USA have made a major advance in Australian intellectual circles since the 1960s. American ideas of management and problem-solving are becoming more and more popular.

Significantly, Australian dollar was introduced in 1966.

In the past some Australians often felt that Australian culture, products, accents, lifestyles compared unfavorably with Britain and the USA. This attitude has changed. A strong sense of distinct Australian identity has grown with the growing recognition in the world of Australian films, literature and arts.

Literature:

1. Australia and New Zealand in brief, Москва , издательство « Лист », 1998 г ., с .223

2. Т.Ю. Журина. 55 устных тем по английскому языку., Москва, издательский дом «Дрофа», 1997 г., с. 160

3. Филипп Стил. Атлас мира. Москва, «Олма-Пресс», 1998 г., с. 95