Australian History for Dummies (for Dummies (History, Biography and Politics)

Book excerpt: This irreverent book introduces you to the people who helped shape Australia's history. Find out about life down under, and discover all the intriguing details the dry history textbooks left out. Explore the history of Aboriginal Australia. see how indigenous Australians lived in Australia for over 40,000 years before colonization Track the early years of European settlement find out why Britain settled Australia and what the challenges and successes were Learn about the intrepid explorers and the discovery of gold watch as Australia hits the big time and puts itself on the map Witness the birth of a nation understand how and why the states were united and meet the major players who made it happen Appreciate the impact of the World Wars uncover the roots of the Anzac legend and the effects of postwar baby boom and immigration Examine the social and economic change of the 1970s and 1980s discover the impact of multiculturalism and the mining boom Delve into modern - day Australia understand the impact of the Howard years, and what led to Australia's first female prime minister.