Relations between the authorities and the diggers on the Ballarat goldfield continued to deteriorate, and despite the reports of corruption and violent behaviour being reported to the senior government officials, no action was being taken.
Following a murder on the goldfield, the miners meeting protesting the corrupt investigation that took place afterwards, escalated into a riot, and the Eureka Hotel was burnt to the ground.
A number of influential men on the diggings formed the Ballarat Reform League, to represent and advocate for the Ballarat diggers and their families, and to make representations to the government about the causes of the riot. But with no satisfactory discussions taking place, the miners lost all patience and resolved that the only course of action open to them, was armed resistance. A flag was raised, oaths sworn and the men set about organising a defensive stockade.
(40 mins)
www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au
Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!
Enjoying the podcast?
Help support the show with
a one-off donation
Ep 69 Waltzing Matilda: Australian History
Ep 68 Atomic Australia: Australian History
Ep 67 Maria Island: Australian History (remixed)
Ep 66 Australian Dogs: Australian History
Ep 65 Royal Flying Doctor Service: Australian History
Ep 64 Buckley & Wathawurrung Pt 3: Australian History
Ep 63 Buckley & Wathawurrung Pt 2: Australian History
Ep 62 Buckley & Wathawurrung Pt 1: Australian History
Ep 61 The Overland Telegraph Line: Australian History
Ep 60 Alexander Pearce - Cannibal Pt 3: Australian History
Ep 59 Alexander Pearce - Cannibal Pt 2: Australian History
Ep 58 Alexander Pearce - Cannibal Pt1: Australian History
Ep 57 Macarthur & Wool: Australian History
Ep 56 Great Ocean Road Memorial: Australian History
Ep 55 Bligh & the Rum Rebellion - Part 4 - Final: Australian History
Ep 54 Bligh & the Rum Rebellion - Part 3: Australian History
Ep 53 Bligh & the Rum Rebellion - Part 2: Australian History
Ep 52 Bligh & the Rum Rebellion - Part 1: Australian History
Ep 51 Australian Rules Football: Australian History
Ep 50 WW2 Salvage Operation: Australian History
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Irish Songs with Ken Murray
History Obscura
Historycal: Words that Shaped the World
The Rest Is History
Lore