Why did Britain agree to demands for self-rule in Australia?

Answer 1

Why do children leave their parents' home? Because they want to make their own decisions,become independent,feel they're mature enough to cope on their own etc. This sounds very similar.However,the Queen of the UK is still the Queen of Australia.Therefore,don't forget that Australia has not cut all the ties with the UK and has only considered but not decided to become a Republic.

Answer 2

They did not have a great deal of choice. at the time of federation the relationship between Britain and Australia was such that Britain had nothing to gain by enforcing its influence over Australia. as Australia was controlled by people of British decent. The Australians produced goods that were exported to Britain at a good price for Britain where they were value added. In effect the most economical way to deal with Australia was to let it take care of its self. Australia was after all still a part of what was the British Commonwealth of nations. and a point of strategic British influence in this part of the world.

Answer 3

Britain did not oppress Australia, and force it to remain a colony. There was not the same violence as seen in the American War of Independence, and perhaps Britain wanted to avoid replaying this event.

The fact is that Australia had enough wealth and significance on the world stage by the beginning of the 20th century to make a successful bid for self-government.