The decision to federate Australia was made in 1901. Prior to this turning point In Australian history, Australia was not a united nation but in fact six autonomous British colonies, each having rules and regulations. A small group of individuals noticed the benefits of federation and the idea to federate Australia was conceived. At first the idea was not popular among other premiers and citizens alike and was therefore abandoned. After a while though, people gave serious consideration to the advantages of federation. The main factors that played a role in federation were having one defence force, transport and taxes and the threat of immigration. In the end though, it was the idea of a federal government making uniform laws that eventually after much consultation, deliberation and debate turned the colonies into one country. …show more content…
The majority of the other countries in the world were already federated or at least were united as one. This posed an obvious threat to the colonies of Australia. The six colonies had their own small defence forces rather than one. They had no overarching structure to unite them and their defence was far too small and weak to cope with invasion on a large scale. The defence was ill equipped and didn't have enough resources, men or ammunition to have a suitable and adequate defence. They needed a defence force that was much larger and stronger to handle an invasion. The threat was even more real though when neighbouring countries were invaded by foreign powers. A Russian presence in the Pacific, Germany ruling parts of New Guinea and France invading New Caledonia left the colonies concerned and fearful that attempts to invade Australia would be made. People realised this was a major threat to society and therefore opted for federation. (Peo.gov,