Essay Outline Martial Law Bathurst

Words: 1784
Pages: 8

Fiona Scott-Doran Assignment 1

HIST150

In what ways does Governor Brisbane’s Proclamation of Martial Law provide insights into the nature of conflict between Aborigines and settlers in the frontier areas around Bathurst in 1824?
Essay introduction approx. 200 words There has been much controversy and debate over the issue of frontier violence and conflict between colonial settlers and indigenous Australians during early colonisation of Australia. While some historians contend that the evidence of frontier violence and indigenous deaths has been overestimated, others argue that the figures are potentially under estimated. There is ample evidence to indicate violence and deaths did

occur between both parties, however, there is much
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Declaration of end of Martial Law The newspaper advisement of the Declaration of the End of Martial Law, provides primary source evidence of the rescinding of martial law by Governor Brisbane in relation to the outbreak of conflict in the Bathurst region in 1824. Published in the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser dated December 23, 1824 it publicly announces the return to peace in the region between the natives and settlers, and the return to normal methods of law enforcement by the authorities. The declaration reiterates the reasons for initially introducing martial law, being the indiscriminate attacks on stock stations by the natives which the local authorities had been unable to control. The document advises that the peace was achieved without the need for bloodshed. No further details on how the peace was established are provided.

Violence, the aboriginals, and the Australian historian

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Fiona Scott-Doran Assignment 1

HIST150

In this secondary source Henry Reynolds discusses the history of conflict and violence between native Australians and white settlers during settlement of Australia. Drawing on many examples of recorded incidents, he contrasts them to those which occurred in New Zealand, involving Maori warriors, at a similar time to show the disparity in recording and attitude awarded to those events which occurred here in Australia. Reynolds suggests