Australian Parliament House
The Australian Parliament House was the main government seat within the Dominion of Australia. The building was constructed in 1923, following the Great War but also the move of the capital from Melbourne to Canberra. From the brief interwar period between the Great War and the World War, the Parliament House was seen as a major institute of British colonial rule imposed on the people of Australia.
History
Australia had been made a Dominion in 1901, following debates on Federalization and granted limited self-governing. However, even with the technical ability to determine their own foreign policy, Australia still relied heavily on representation from Great Britain. As such, when Britain went to war against Holland, Germany, and Russia, Australia was forced to enter the war as well. With considerable loss of life on failed campaigns, many Australians demanded further autonomy in order to distance themselves from Great Britain.
When the Empire of Japan began rapid expansion of their influence in the Pacific Region following the Russo-German War, Australia presented their concerns to Great Britain. As a result, Great Britain renewed the Anglo-Japanese Alliance as a means to protect their interests. Great Britain also compelled the Australian government to join the Commonwealth of Nations, making them believe it was the only means of security from Japan's own Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.
As tensions between Japan and America dramatically increased, many in the eastern cities of Australia began to side with the Americans over the British. As a result of the declaration of the Pacific War, the Parliament House saw a major protest against Australia's entry against America. When these protests became unheard, a riot began to start, leading to the evacuation and eventual burning of the Parliament House. Many extremists then proclaimed the Republic of Australia.
1944
Comments