{"product_id":"australia-a-history-from-convict-colony-to-great-democracy","title":"Australia: A History: From Convict Colony to Great Democracy","description":"\u003cp\u003eFrom convict colony to great democracy\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cp\u003eAustralia is one of the world's great success stories: a land long hidden from outsiders, chosen as a convict dumping ground, where - since 1788 - people from many backgrounds have built one of the most free, fair and prosperous countries on earth.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBy the standards of a harsher time, the early governors tried to respect the original inhabitants and to encourage the outcasts of the British Isles to make a new start to a better life. This Indigenous heritage, British foundation and immigrant character have shaped the land of the 'fair go' especially for those willing to 'have a go'. It's not perfect, even now, yet mostly we have a history to be proud of. Within a century of settlement, Australia had not only the world's highest standard of living but had become a global pioneer for democratic freedoms such as the secret ballot, the payment of MPs and voting rights for women.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA country largely created by settlement and negotiation has evolved from 'White Australia' at the time of federation into one of the world's most colour-blind societies and has managed the transition from an old 'Anglo' identity to a civic patriotism based on an overriding commitment to Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis book is intended to give anyone interested - as every Australian should be - an account of our past that's positive, while not oblivious to our mistakes and imperfections as a nation. If to be an Australian is still to have won the lottery of life, the history that's produced us is surely something to savour.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Unity Books","offers":[{"title":"Australia: A History: From Convict Colony to Great Democracy","offer_id":44870317113541,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0625\/6679\/3413\/files\/978-1-4607-6829-7.jpg?v=1751509153","url":"https:\/\/unitybooks.myshopify.com\/products\/australia-a-history-from-convict-colony-to-great-democracy","provider":"Unity Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}