What were the advantages and disadvantages of the Eureka Stockade?

Answer 1

The most obvious disadvantage of the Eureka Stockade was the death and injury of miners and soldiers alike. In the battle of the Eureka Stockade, 22 diggers and 5 troopers died.

The advantages were considerable. Despite its apparent failure, the Eureka Stockade gained the attention of the Government. A Commission of Enquiry followed and changes were made. These included abolishing the monthly gold licences, which were replaced by a much more affordable annual miner's licence. There were fewer troopers on the goldfields, and intrusive spot-checks ceased.

Legislative Council was expanded to allow representation to the major goldfields. Peter Lalor and another representative, John Basson Humffray, were elected for Ballarat. Later, Lalor was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Victoria. For these reasons, the Eureka Stockade is regarded by many as the birthplace of Australian Democracy.

Answer 2

The Eureka Stockade Rebellion took place at the Eureka goldfields in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, on the 3rd of December, 1854. It was brought about by a combination of things including the oppressive fees for a "miners permit", the poor conditions on the gold fields, and the oppression of miners by the Authorities. A further issue fuelling the rebellion was the questionable death of one young miner and the beating of another at the hands of Police. (It should be noted that at this point in history, the Victoria Police were notably corrupt, and many of the lower ranks were little more than criminals themselves.) Under the leadership of Peter Lalor, the miners had built a flimsy stockade of wood with the intent of keeping the inspectors out and, flew the "Eureka" flag as a show of defiance. A pitched battle took place very early in the morning leaving 34 miners and 6 soldiers dead. The soldiers and police overwhelmed the 150 poorly armed miners and the battle was over in 15 minutes and the whole thing was over in 30 minutes. There were over 1,000 miners at the stockade the previous evening, but there was not enough room for them and the majority were sent home to return the following morning. The armed contingent comprised 152 infantrymen, 30 cavalry and 100 mounted and foot police, all heavily armed. After all of the excitement had died down, conditions did improve on the goldfields and in other areas of colonial life. A visit to the Eureka Centre at Ballarat would be a worthwhile trip to anybody even a little interested in the subject.

Answer 3

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