Symbols Of Democracy
What does democracy mean?
Democracy is a state of government in which all people have a voice or a vote in what decisions are made and the results on these decisions. A democratic nation is one where anyone, no matter their class or income can vote. In 1854 when the miners revolt and formed the Eureka Rebellion they wanted the right of voting. Miners were seen as the lower class of people, the workers, therefore they had no right in the democracy of Australia. The Ballarat Reform League wanted to change this and created the Eureka Stockade and flag to stand behind their beliefs in a free and democratically equal country. The Eureka Flag and its Meaning. The Eureka flag is a well known piece of Australia's history. It is now kept at the Museum of Australian Democracy or M.A.D.E. The flag was designed and made for the Ballarat Reform league and was flown twice, first when the diggers took the oath and secondly at the battle. After the battle the flag was believed to have been taken down by Police Constable John King. The flag made its last appearance at the trials of the thirteen men accused of treason. The flag was kept in the King family until 2001 when it was donated to the Art Gallery of Ballarat. The flag is made out of wool and cotton. The five stars represent the southern cross and the blue background is believed to represent the colour of the blue shirts that many diggers wear, unlike many who think it is to represent the sky. The flag has now became a symbol of defiance and democracy and is now considered to be a national treasure. The flag symbolises freedom and a memory of the twenty minute battle where thirty-five diggers and five soldiers lost their lives in the only recorded battle on Australian ground. The Term "Digger". The meaning of the term "digger", these days is a commonly used phrase that refers to nearly all Australian troops. The origin of the term is unclear, however it was used in the 1850s to label the Colonial Australian gold diggers. In both cases it was used as a nickname for those who worked hard in trenches or down a mine. "Digger" symbolises a person who is hard working and will always strive for what is right for other people and his or her country. References - No author. (2010). Australian Government [internet]. Available from http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/eureka-stockade. Accessed 11 May 2015. - No author. (2013). Inside History Magazine [internet]. Available from http://www.insidehistory.com.au/2013/06/the-genesis-of-digger-by-tim-lycett/. Accessed 11 May 2015. - No author. (2015) Ausflag Our Own Flag [internet]. Available from http://www.ausflag.com.au/eureka.asp. Accessed 11 May 2015. - Smith, N. (2015). Find My Past [internet]. Available from http://www.findmypast.com.au/articles/anzac-day-stories/resources-military-history-articles/military-history-origin-of-the-term-digger. Accessed 11 May 2015. |