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An Archaeology of Australia Since 1788 pp 147–183Cite as

Gold Rushes and Precious Metals

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Part of the book series: Contributions To Global Historical Archaeology ((CGHA))

Abstract

The discovery of gold in New South Wales and Victoria in 1851 brought dramatic change and upheaval to the Australian colonies. Migrants flooded in from around the world, eager to make their fortunes. Towns and cities grew quickly, bringing with them new industries, amenities and the elements of civic life. With more money available, local manufacturing grew and trade and communications expanded. Gold, via the Eureka Rebellion in 1854, was an important catalyst for political reform and the growth of democracy in the Australian colonies. Mining also had a severe impact on natural landscapes, with forests and woodlands plundered to provide the great quantities of timber demanded by the miners, while hillsides were eroded and waterways silted up due to the mining techniques used.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Archaeology Program, La Trobe University, 3086, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

    Susan Lawrence & Peter Davies

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  1. Susan Lawrence
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  2. Peter Davies
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Correspondence to Susan Lawrence .

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Lawrence, S., Davies, P. (2011). Gold Rushes and Precious Metals. In: An Archaeology of Australia Since 1788. Contributions To Global Historical Archaeology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-7485-3_7

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