The Australian Gold Rush - Test Your Knowledge (2024)

1.

After the Eureka Stockade many changes were introduced by the Victorian Government, write down two changes.1.2.

2.

Explain what happened to Peter Lalor after the Eureka Battle.

3.

List out 4 ideas that explain what life was like on the Gold Fields during the Australian Gold Rush of the 1850's.1.2.3.4.

4.

What were some of the roles played by the Indigenous Australian's during the gold rush?

5.

List some of the effects the gold rush had on the Aboriginal communities of Australia.

6.

Reflect on the following statements and answer one:1. How would things have been different if officials hadn't hushed up the first gold findings in 1823?2. What do you think would have happened if all of the diggers stayed behind to guard the stockade at Eureka rather than retire to their beds the night before the dawn raid?3. Why do you think the Kelly gang built their infamous armour?4. If you lived during the gold rush what do you think you would have done, would you have gone to the goldfields, turned to bushranging, opened a business on the fields or something else? Explain why.

7.

What do you think it was like for the Aboriginal people living in Australia during the Gold Rush?

8.

During 1854 is the only time that gold was found in Australia?

• A.

  True

• B.

  False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
Gold was found by aboriginal people and white settlers well before 1854.These findings were small nuggets or flakes of alluvial gold. In 1854 large amounts of gold was found a deposit near Bathurst New South Wales and later in Ballarat Victoria.

9.

Hargraves claimed to find gold in 1851 at what place?

• A.

  Ballarat

• B.

  Bendigo

• C.

  Bathurst

• D.

  Lithgow

Correct Answer
C. Bathurst

Explanation
In 1851 at Bathurst, Hargraves claimed he found gold.

10.

Name the type of mining equipment these miners are holding

• A.

  Gold pot

• B.

  Gold pan

• C.

  Gold saucepan

• D.

  Gold dish

Correct Answer
B. Gold pan

Explanation
The correct answer is "gold pan". Miners use gold pans to separate gold from sediment and other materials. The pan is typically shallow and wide, allowing the miner to swirl water and sediment in it, while the heavier gold particles settle at the bottom. The pan's shape and design help in the efficient extraction of gold through the process of panning.

11.

Name this piece of gold mining equipment.

• A.

  Washer

• B.

  See Also

  The Gold Rush in California | The American West (article) | Khan Academy10 US Gold Rush Trivia QuizzesThe Australian Gold RushThe Gold Rush Study Guide: Analysis | GradeSaver

  Bucket

• C.

  Stamper mill

• D.

  Cradle

Correct Answer
D. Cradle

Explanation
A cradle is a piece of gold mining equipment used to separate gold from gravel and sand. It consists of a wooden box with riffles or slats at the bottom, which trap the heavier gold particles as water is poured over the material. The lighter materials are washed away, leaving the gold behind. This method was commonly used during the gold rush era as it allowed miners to efficiently extract gold from rivers and streams.

12.

This picture shows miners looking for gold that was found on the surface or just under the ground. What type of gold are they looking for?

• A.

  Shallow gold

• B.

  Surface gold

• C.

  Alluvial gold

• D.

  Deep gold

Correct Answer
C. Alluvial gold

Explanation
The miners in the picture are searching for alluvial gold. Alluvial gold refers to gold that has been eroded from its original source and deposited in a different location, usually in riverbeds or streams. It is typically found near the surface or just under the ground, making it easier to extract compared to deep gold deposits.

13.

When the surface gold ran out, miners had to dig into the ground. What type of mining was this called?

• A.

  Hole mining

• B.

  Shaft deep lead mining

• C.

  Tunnel mining

• D.

  Deep deep mining

Correct Answer
B. Shaft deep lead mining

Explanation
When the surface gold ran out, miners had to dig into the ground. This type of mining is called "shaft deep lead mining." In this method, miners would dig deep vertical shafts into the ground to access the gold deposits that were located further down. This allowed them to continue extracting gold even after the surface deposits were depleted. The term "deep lead mining" refers to the fact that the gold deposits were found in deep layers or leads within the ground.

14.

YearPopulation of Melbourne (excludes indigenous)1835- 01840- 10,0001851- 29,0001854- 123,000Explain the dramatic increase in the population of Melbourne.

• A.

  Government giving away free housing

• B.

  Melbourne was found to have a better climate

• C.

  The Victorian Gold Rush

• D.

  The New South Wales Gold Rush was over

Correct Answer
C. The Victorian Gold Rush

Explanation
The Victorian Gold Rush is the correct answer for the dramatic increase in the population of Melbourne. This event refers to the discovery of gold in Victoria, Australia in 1851, which attracted a large number of people to the region in search of gold. The gold rush resulted in a rapid influx of migrants and a significant increase in the population of Melbourne during that time period.

15.

Select the food and drink a miner would have taken to the gold fields.

• A.

  Roast lamb, coffee and bread

• B.

  Boiled meat, beer and rice

• C.

  Mutton, tea and flour

• D.

  Canned meat, vegetables and tea

Correct Answer
C. Mutton, tea and flour

Explanation
A miner working in the gold fields would need food that is durable and easy to transport. Mutton, tea, and flour would be suitable choices for this purpose. Mutton can be preserved for a longer period, tea can provide hydration and a source of energy, and flour can be used to make bread or other baked goods. These options would provide sustenance and meet the basic dietary needs of a miner in the gold fields.

16.

Young was where the worst anti-Chinese riots took place during 1861. At the time the area was known as Uralla, true or false?

• A.

  True

• B.

  False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The worst of the anti-Chinese riots took place at Lambing Flat where 6 separate riots occurred over a 10 month period.

17.

The name of the man elected to lead the Eureka Stockade miners was Peter _________.

Correct Answer
Lalor
laylor

Explanation
The correct answer is Lalor. Peter Lalor was elected to lead the Eureka Stockade miners.

18.

Select three issues that caused tension amongst the miners that lead to the Eureka Stockade Battle.

• A.

  Not enough beer, too many chinese miners and the miner's licence

• B.

  Corrupt officials, miner's licence and no voting rights

• C.

  Corrupt officials, government not listening and no schools

• D.

  Too many chinese miners, bush rangers and brawls

Correct Answer
B. Corrupt officials, miner's licence and no voting rights

Explanation
The tension amongst the miners that led to the Eureka Stockade Battle was caused by corrupt officials, miner's licence, and no voting rights. The corrupt officials exploited the miners by taking bribes and engaging in unfair practices. The miner's licence system imposed heavy fees and strict regulations on the miners, leading to resentment and frustration. Additionally, the lack of voting rights meant that the miners had no say in the decisions that affected their lives and livelihoods. These issues created a sense of injustice and inequality, ultimately fueling the conflict that culminated in the Eureka Stockade Battle.

19.

This battle of rebellion took place on December 3 1854. Name it.

• A.

  Stockade

• B.

  Miner's Rebellion Battle

• C.

  Eureka Stockade

• D.

  Ballarat's Battle

Correct Answer
C. Eureka Stockade

Explanation
The correct answer is Eureka Stockade. The Eureka Stockade was a battle of rebellion that took place on December 3, 1854. It was a significant event in Australian history, occurring in Ballarat, Victoria. The rebellion was led by gold miners who were protesting against unfair mining regulations and the high cost of a mining license. The miners built a stockade, known as the Eureka Stockade, as a symbol of their defiance. The battle resulted in the deaths of both miners and government soldiers, but it ultimately led to reforms in the mining industry and increased democracy in Australia.

20.

Even though gold was first found in 1823 in Australia what was the official year that the gold rush started?

• A.

  1851

• B.

  1849

• C.

  1855

• D.

  1852

Correct Answer
A. 1851

Explanation
Gold was found at a number of locations between 1823 and 1850 in Australia but it was hushed up by the Government who feared it would create unrest between the convicts and encourage people to leave cities and townships in the search for gold.

21.

Why did they stop transporting convicts to the East coast of Australia during the Gold Rush?

• A.

  England had room to keep the convicts there instead

• B.

  Officials didn't want to give convicts a 'free pass' to a gold rich country

• C.

  It was decided that the journey was too long to get to Australia

• D.

  They were sent to New Zealand instead

Correct Answer
B. Officials didn't want to give convicts a 'free pass' to a gold rich country

Explanation
During the Gold Rush, officials decided to stop transporting convicts to the East coast of Australia because they didn't want to give the convicts a 'free pass' to a gold-rich country. This implies that there were concerns about the convicts taking advantage of the gold rush and potentially benefiting from the economic opportunities available in Australia. By not sending convicts to the East coast, officials aimed to prevent them from accessing the wealth and prosperity associated with the gold rush.

22.

What did the Victorian Government do to try and entice people back into the colony?

• A.

  Nothing, they didn't care

• B.

  Put up boarder patrol and wouldn't let people pass through it to NSW

• C.

  Asked for more convicts to be bought to Victoria to increase the population

• D.

  Offered a reward for anyone who found gold within 200 miles of Melbourne.

Correct Answer
D. Offered a reward for anyone who found gold within 200 miles of Melbourne.

Explanation
Gold was shortly found in Ballarat and people began to flock to Victoria.

23.

The biggest robbery in Australian bushranging history took place in Eugowra. Who lead the operation?

Correct Answer
Frank Gardiner

Explanation
Frank Gardiner led the biggest robbery in Australian bushranging history in Eugowra.