The Unknown Nation: Australia After EmpireRejecting the self-serving interpretation of AustraliaÍs so-called ñnew nationalismî of the 1960s and 1970s, this study argues that the receding ties of British influence left the countryÍs citizens adrift in regards to identity. Revealing how everything from currency to the national flag became subject to scrutiny, this reference also tells how AustraliaÍs methods of celebrating its past achievements became a source of public controversy and political hand-wringing, forcing leaders to find the appropriate rhetoric to invoke the coming nation. Underscoring the continentÍs new set of post-imperial markers and how they placed the conduct of foreign relations onto a new but unsure footing, this examination illustrates how Australians contrary to received wisdom had neither sought nor particularly welcomed this challenge yet it has exercised their political and creative energies for decades. The origins, influence, and implications of this dilemma are explored in detail, making this survey crucial to addressing the problems of community, identity, and collective purpose in Australian society. |
Common terms and phrases
Aboriginal achievement Advance Australia Affairs American announced Anzac Anzac Cove appeared Arts Asia Asian Australia Day Australian Australian nationalism award became become Britain British Cabinet called Canberra celebrations cited Clark colonial Committee Commonwealth concern Council cultural debate December decision Department distinctive early economic emerged empire entirely European event expression fact Fair federal feeling first foreign Fraser future greater Holt Horne Howard idea identity imperial independence interests issue January John July June major March matter means Melbourne national anthem nationalist never noted November observed occasion Office official origins past patriotism played political post-imperial present Prime Minister problem question referred reflected relations relationship remained represented response rhetoric seemed sense song speech suggested Sydney Morning Herald symbols term things tion tradition United Whitlam