Resource: The Colony of Tasmania (Van Dieman’s Land)

Description

The penal settlement at Van Dieman’s Land became notorious as the harsh locale of punishment for hardened criminals in the British Empire. When the colony became independent, they renamed themselves “Tasmania” partly to escape the notoriety attached to the name “Van Dieman’s Land”. This resource examines the Aboriginal history, as well as early European contacts, of Tasmania, before discussing the convict settlement and then the shift to the colony of Tasmania. The colony’s vital role in the preparations for Federation are also discussed.

Aimed primarily at the Year 5 Australian History curriculum, this resource complements other Australian History and Geography resources for Years 4, 5 and 6.