Introduction
In the 1850s and 1860s Australia experienced a huge population increase. Gold had been discovered and the rushes began.
What made all these people join the rush? Were the promises of gold discovery resonable?
Many people experienced extreme hardship. I remember visiting the town of Arltunga in South Australia several years ago. This town is about 110 kms east of Alice Springs. During the gold rush many of the miners made the 600km journey from Oodnadatta on foot (and carrying or pushing all their belongings)! I crawled into one of the underground mines and experienced the place these people worked. It was cramped and carved out of what seemed like solid rock!
Most of the people who chased the dream of golden wealth failed. A few did not.
What was it like on the Australian gold fields in the mid 1800s? You will participate in this activity in the role of a character from this time.
In this WebQuest, you will be involved in activities that will enable you to justify your answers to the following questions...
- Had you been in Australia in the mid 1800s, which character you would most like to have been?
- Which character you would least like to have been?
Click the task link above to find out more about what you will be doing.
