answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Waltzing Matlida epitomised the underdog, the hard-working hero of the land who was unjustly accused by the police. Ever since the convicts first landed on Australian shores, many groups of Australians have glorified the underdog. The song also drew attention to the difficult conditions surrounding the Great Shearer's Strike of the late 1800s. The lyrics were based on the story of a man named Samuel "Frenchy" Hoffmeister. In September 1894, on the Dagworth sheep station north of Winton, Queensland, some shearers were in a strike that turned violent. The strikers fired off their rifles and pistols in the air and then set fire to the woolshed at the Dagworth Homestead, killing over a hundred sheep. The owner of Dagworth Homestead and three policemen pursued Hoffmeister who, rather than be captured, shot and killed himself at a billabong.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Waltzing Matilda is important to Australian history for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was written by one of Australia's greatest writers, AB 'Banjo' Paterson who, through his literature, did a great deal to stir up patriotic fervour before Federation and immediately afterwards. Secondly, it is important because it celebrates the triumph of the "underdog", the ultimate victory of the down-trodden against the law (as represented by the troopers).

Banjo Paterson based Waltzing Matilda on a true story. The central character is based on a man named Samuel "Frenchy" Hoffmeister. In September 1894, on the Dagworth sheep station north of Winton, some shearers were in a strike that turned violent. The strikers fired off their rifles and pistols in the air and then set fire to the woolshed at the Dagworth Homestead, killing over a hundred sheep. The owner of Dagworth Homestead and three policemen pursued Hoffmeister who, rather than be captured, shot and killed himself at a billabong.

At the time Paterson wrote the Ballad, Australia was in the grip of patriotic "Federation fever", and the feeling that Australia (the underdog) was about to shrug off the influence of "Mother England". Paterson was a patriot who represented the cause for Federation, and his song inspired Australians to fight for independence (no matter that full independence was not achieved until 1986).

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

It brings home the fear people felt for the police force. rather then be subjected to the treatment meter out by the representatives of Law and Order this poor man killed himself.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why did Waltzing Matilda become an Australian icon?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

Which Australian icon began in the town of Winton Queensland?

The song Waltzing Matilda is an Australian icon which began in Winton, Queensland.The lyrics to Banjo Paterson's Waltzing Matilda were written in 1895.They were based on the story of a man named Samuel "Frenchy" Hoffmeister. In September 1894, on the Dagworth sheep station north of Winton, Queensland, some shearers were in a strike that turned violent. The strikers fired off their rifles and pistols in the air and then set fire to the woolshed at the Dagworth Homestead, killing over a hundred sheep. The owner of Dagworth Homestead and three policemen pursued Hoffmeister who, rather than be captured, shot and killed himself at a billabong.


Why is Andrew Barton Paterson relevant to Australia?

Andrew Barton Paterson is the full name of the passionately nationalistic, popular Australian author and poet, 'Banjo' Paterson. In the latter years of the 19th century, the short stories and classic ballads of "The Banjo" inspired many Australians in a fledgling country searching for its own identity apart from Britain. In 1890 he wrote "The Man From Snowy River", a poem which caught the heart of the nation. Perhaps even better known than "The Man From Snowy River" is his poem "Waltzing Matilda" which has become a true Australian icon.


Why is holden an Australian icon?

Because it is a Australian car


What do the words Australian icon mean?

respectful


Who is Andrew Barton Paterson?

Andrew Barton Paterson is the full name of the passionately nationalistic, popular Australian author and poet, 'Banjo' Paterson. In the latter years of the 19th century, the short stories and classic ballads of "The Banjo" inspired many Australians in a fledgling country searching for its own identity apart from Britain. Paterson adopted his nickname after he began publishing his poetry in the Sydney edition of The Bulletin under the pseudonym of "The Banjo", the name of a favourite horse. In 1890 he wrote "The Man From Snowy River", a poem which caught the heart of the nation. Perhaps even better known than "The Man From Snowy River" is his poem "Waltzing Matilda" which has become a true Australian icon. Paterson lived from 1864 to 1941.


Why is the Australian meat pie important?

because the meat pie is an Australian icon and it is yummy


How did tiki become New Zealand icon?

How did tiki become a icon in new zeland


What edible Australian icon was created in 1923?

Vegemite Vegemite


Why is the Sydney opera house an Australian icon?

It is unique and it represents Australia


Is bondi beach a Australian icon?

It is more of a tourist trap.


Is the barbecue an Australian icon?

While the barbeque is not limited to Australia, it is certainly an Australian icon. In a country where there are numerous specialty barbeque shops, as well as entire sections in hardware stores devoted to barbeques, one could certainly say that barbeques are a national icon, common in many backyards.


Why the kangaroo is significant to Australian history?

It is not significant in Australian history, however, it is an icon of Australia simply because they are a native animal of the continent.