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Australian nationalism asserts that the Australians are a nation and promotes the national and cultural unity of Australia. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Australian nationalism has a history dating back to the late 19th century as Australia gradually developed a distinct culture and identity from that of Britain, beginning to view itself as a unique and separate entity and not simply an extension or a derivation of British culture and identity. [5]
Nationalism in the present day often refers to the politics of right-wing political parties.
By the early 19th century, Australia was governed as a series of six largely self-governing colonies that were spread across the continent and were part of the British Empire. [6] Attempts to coordinate governance had failed in the 1860s due to a lack of popular support and lack of interest from the British government, but by the 1880s, and with the rise of nationalist movements in Europe, the efforts to establish a federation of the Australian colonies began to gather momentum. The British government supported federation as a means to cement British influence in the South Pacific. [7]
Nationalistic sentiments increased as a result of Australia's participation in the First and Second World Wars, with concepts such as " mateship" becoming a cornerstone of Australian nationalism. [8]