British Imperialism and Australian Nationalism: Manipulation, Conflict and Compromise in the Late Nineteenth Century

Description

This book examines the relationship of the Australian colonies with Britain and Empire in the late nineteenth century, and looks at the first murmurings of Australian nationalism. It is the first detailed study of the formative period 1880-1900. The book argues that many of the features of the British Empire at this time can be seen in the British-Australian connection. Luke Trainor shows that the interests of British imperialism were greatly advanced in Australia in the 1880s because of the increased involvement of British capital in Australia. And while British imperialism tolerated some Australian nationalism, this nationalism was highly masculine in character, was based on dispossession of the Aborigines and encouraged sub-imperialism in the Pacific. As we approach the centenary of the Australian Constitution and debate about an Australian republic becomes more heated, this book is a timely re-examination of the colonial character of Australia's federation and Australia's incorporation into an imperial framework.

"Trainor's writing is succinct and knowledgeable...It is entirely to [his] credit that his volume scans so many dark areas so clearly and judiciously." American Historical Review "...Trainor has provided us with a thoughtful and innovative study of the white colonial mentalite^D in the context of the gathering tensions of the late nineteenth-century world." International History Review "Trainor has certainly succeeded in making a strong case for the importance of imperialism in Austalia's development in the 1880s and 1890s, a wide-ranging. partially home-grown imperialism which penetrated deep into the fabric of Australian life." Canadian Journal of History "The comprehensiveness of the study and the soundness of its judgments make it a valuable resource." Thomas E. Tausky, Australian and New Zealand Studies in Canada "...sound and very informative." Times Literary Supplement "Trainor is to be applauded for working up perspectives that were not once part of his outlook. His assertions also warrant serious consideration." Robert Kubicek, Albion