The Australian Gold Rush:
Australia’s engagement with Asia stems all the way back
until early colonial Australia, even arguably before European settlement where
there was trading with the Indigenous population (see a ‘pre-Cook history’
timeline).
Image: (National Museum of Australia, n.d.)
Caption: "The 1850s gold rush attracted many
Chinese people to Australia in search of a fortune. In this scene, Chinese and
European diggers methodically search for gold using various devices and
techniques" (National Museum of Australia, n.d.).
The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting
Authority recognises the importance of studying this topic:
“The Australian Curriculum: History enables students to develop an understanding of histories of the diverse peoples of Asia and their contributions to the region and the world, and an appreciation of the importance of the region for Australia and the world. This happens as students learn about the importance of the traditions, beliefs and celebrations of peoples from the Asia region and through the study of ancient societies, trade, conflicts, progressive movements and migration to Australia by people from Asia” (ACARA, n.d.).
The case study of Chinese immigration during the Australian
gold rush is a perfect example of understanding the historical relationship
between Asia and Australia by investigating the migration to Australia, their
multicultural influence and the racial conflicts that arose at the time. The Australian Gold Rush invited much migration nationally and internationally, especially from neighbouring continent, Asia. The first major group of Chinese arrived as indentured labourers in Australia after Britain ended convict shipment in 1840 triggering a great labour demand and the traffic of Chinese immigration increased during the gold rush era (National Museum of Australia, n.d.). There
is much historical context behind the immigration of the Chinese during this period;
much more than just the desire to obtain their share of gold and riches.
“The Chinese came not for their own sake but because they felt compelled to seek a better future for their families who remained at home in China. It was a time of grinding poverty, lawlessness and oppression in many parts of China, particularly in the districts of Canton (Kwangtung Province) from which many Chinese came” (SBS, n.d.).
One issue Australians need to be educated on is that of
racism. Racism generally occurs through unsubstantiated prejudice and
insecurity. Anti-Chinese discrimination was strong and harsh on the gold-fields
as the Chinese were ‘different’ to the other gold miners. “The Chinese were
particularly industrious, with techniques that differed widely from the
Europeans. This and their physical appearance and fear of the unknown led to
them to being persecuted in a racist way that would be regarded as untenable
today” (The Original Gold Rush Colony, n.d.). The image at the start of the
blog subtly highlights this racism – there was no multicultural integration;
only Chinese workers are seen together, segregated and outcasted.
This issue of racism is also addressed in the Bible in John
7:24 - “Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment” (Bible
Gateway, ESV, 2013). Past racial discrimination cannot be undone but this
non-racial and non-judgemental lifestyle needs to be practiced in today’s world
as the Australia and Asia’s engagement is strengthening and people of all
cultures need to learn fair treatment and equality, thus implementing the
importance of the education of Australia and Asia’s relationship starting from
a young age in school.
References:
Bible Gateway.
(2013). John 7:24. English Standard
Version. Retrieved 7 June 2013 from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%207:24&version=ESV
Creative
Spirits. (2013). Aboriginal history
timeline (1400-1769). Retrieved 7 June 2013 from http://www.creativespirits.info/aboriginalculture/history/aboriginal-history-timeline-1400-1769
National Museum
of Australia. (n.d.). Chinese workers.
Retrieved 5 June 2013 from http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/collection_interactives/endurance_scroll/harvest_of_endurance_html_version/explore_the_scroll/chinese_workers
National Museum
of Australia. (n.d.). Australian gold
rush. Retrieved 5 June 2013 from http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/collection_interactives/endurance_scroll/harvest_of_endurance_html_version/explore_the_scroll/australian_gold_rush
The Original
Gold Rush Colony. (n.d.). http://www.goldrushcolony.com.au/australian-gold-history-culture-info/chinese-australian-gold-fields
SBS. (n.d.). Fear of the Chinese. Retrieved 7 June
2013 from http://www.sbs.com.au/gold/
story.php?storyid=46
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