Australian Federation

Australian Federation refers to the process in 1901 when the six separate British colonies in Australia united to form a single nation, known as the Commonwealth of Australia. This union created a central government while allowing individual states to retain certain powers. Federation aimed to unify defense, trade, and policy, fostering national identity and stability. It was achieved through constitutional negotiations and referendums, resulting in Australia's independence from direct British control, though it remained part of the British Empire. Today, Federation is foundational to Australia's political structure and identity as a sovereign nation.