Examines Australian history from European settlement in the 1800's until the achievement of federation of 1899 and the birth of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901. Describes the moves toward federation: the development of the Six Colonies, the growth in Australian nationalism, the conventions at which models for federation were discussed.

Arrival in Australia -- Free settlers -- Aborigines and European settlers -- The gold rush -- The Eureka Stockade -- New South Wales and Tasmania -- Victoria and South Australia -- Queensland and Western Australia -- Linking the colonies -- The crisis of the 1890's -- Australian nationalism -- The federal idea -- The Federal Council -- Sir Henry Parkes -- The 1890 Conference -- What form of federation? -- The First Federal Convention -- The people's conventions -- New Zealand stays out -- The Second Federal Convention -- The referendums -- The United Kingdom approves -- The birth of a nation -- The first national elections -- The new parliament -- Sir Edmund Barton -- Voting rights for women -- A new capital.