Making and keeping Australia 'white' was a powerful motivation for Federation. Racism and racist notions of 'white superiority' were rife in Australia at the time of Federation. Although racism still exists, the racist images and views expressed in the following documents are unacceptable in today's Australian society – it is now illegal to say, write or draw such words and images. It is your task to examine the evidence maturely, bearing in mind that standards have changed over time, in order to reach an understanding of what is now considered by many to be a shameful motivation for Federation.

Main documents:

Extra Documents:

See also Outcomes – Racism