Australian frontier wars

The Australian frontier wars were the violent conflicts between Indigenous Australians (including both Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders) and primarily British settlers during the colonial period of Australia.

Australian frontier wars

New South Wales Mounted Police engaging Aboriginal warriors during the Waterloo Creek massacre of 1838
Date1788–1934; table below, 1788-1900
Location
Australia, including Tasmania and other surrounding islands
Result

Colonial victory

  • No treaty signed
  • British system of law established; Indigenous people dispossessed
  • Indigenous population decline due to epidemics, killings, starvation and forced migration
  • Disruption of Indigenous cultures, assimilation of many Indigenous people
Belligerents

British Empire

  • Northern Territory
Aboriginal Australians:
Eora, Dharug, Gandangara and Tharawal
Wiradjuri
Wonnarua and Gamilaroi
Gunditjmara
Palawa peoples
Noongar peoples
Jagera
Many others
Commanders and leaders
George III
George IV
William IV
Queen Victoria
Arthur Phillip
Lachlan Macquarie
James Stirling
George Arthur
Others
Pemulwuy
Musquito
Windradyne
Yagan
Tunnerminnerwait
Truganini
Tarenorerer
Multuggerah
Jandamarra
Dundalli
Mannalargenna
Nemarluk
Tarrarer
Cocknose
Partpoaermin
Koort Kirrup
Alkapurata
Strength
  • Thousands of warriors and resistance fighters, divided among over 150 different nations, clans, groups
  • Convict/settler allies
Casualties and losses
Minimum 2,000, highest 20,000 dead 100,000-115,000 dead

The first conflict took place several months after the landing of the First Fleet in January 1788, and the last conflicts occurred in the early 20th century following the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, with some occurring as late as 1934. Conflicts occurred in a number of locations across Australia.

Estimates of the number of people killed in the fighting vary considerably.

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