The Captive Republic
A History of Republicanism in Australia 1788–1996

Full history of republican thought and activity in Australia. The essential work on Australian republicanism.

Mark McKenna (Author)

9780521576185, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 23 December 1996

352 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.52 kg

"This is an excellent book. While it is essential reading for anyone who wishes to know the context of the current debate over republicanism in Australia, the book raises much broader issues about the development of self-government, political independence and national identity in settler societies. The book is written in a lively and informative style and combines wide historical knowledge with the ability to marshal information to illustrate specific themes and ideas. McKenna has produced one of the best things to have come out of Australia's current debate over republicanism." Campbell Sharman, Pacific Affairs

The idea of an Australian republic has existed from the moment the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Harbour. This book is a comprehensive history of republican thought and activity in Australia and traces republican debate in Australia from 1788. It explains the pivotal role played by republican philosophies in the decades before responsible government was granted to the Australian colonies in 1856 and prior to federation in 1901. Mark McKenna also describes the often erratic appearance of republicanism during the twentieth century, focusing in particular on the period after 1975, when the issue of a republic became a prominent and increasingly fixed term on the political agenda. This book will be essential reading for all those with an interest in political and intellectual history. It calls for a higher level of public debate about the republic and makes an outstanding contribution to this debate itself.

Introduction
1. The piratical republic: 1788–1833
2. The stockmen's republic: 1833–1848
3. The last resort: 1848–1856
4. Bunyip aristocracy
5. A Victorian republic
6. Quieta non movere: 1856–1880
7. A white man's republic: 1880–1887
8. Nation and republic: 1887–1891
9. The common weal - republicanism and Federation
10. The Imperial mardi gras: 1901–1963
11. The end of the affair: 1963–1995.

Subject Areas: Constitution: government & the state [JPHC]