Contents

Stories from ’s history 4

Captain Bligh and the 5

The big picture 6

Key people 8

10

Viewpoints 16

Trouble in 18 GRAPHIC PAGES! What happened next? 24

TheRebellion effects in of the the Corps Rum Rebellion 26

What do you think? 28

Find out more 30

Glossary 31 Index The arrest32 of Governor Bligh by the was the When a word is printed in boldresult, click on it of a desperate power to find its meaning. struggle between the military and the government. It was the ON THE GRAPHIC PAGES, TEXT WITH THIS COLOUREDonly BACKGROUND time COMES in Australian FROM A HISTORICALhistory SOURCE. that the government was overthrown by the military. Captain Bligh and Stories from Australia’s history the Rum Rebellion The story of modern Australia starts on 26 January 1788. On that day, Captain arrived at Cove from In the early evening of 26 January 1808, Major George Johnston with the convict ships of the . The new settlement marched 300 armed soldiers of the New South Wales Corps up Bridge brought disaster to Australia’s Indigenous peoples because the Street, Sydney, towards Government House. They were on their way to newcomers took their land. This event marks the beginning of arrest Governor Bligh and take control of the colony. Settlers lined the Australia as we know it today. street and cheered the troops because they disliked the tough and demanding governor. Bligh’s great enemy, a former Corps captain n 1790, a military unit called the New South Wales Corps was sent to named John Macarthur, marched with the troops. Macarthur and the Iguard the new colony against invasion or attack. The colony was run by Corps had overthrown the legal government of the colony and seized a governor, and the members of the Corps were supposed to answer to him. power for themselves. However, they quickly gained power and stopped taking orders. Soon, they were controlling all trade in the colony, and taking the best land for themselves. In he arrest of Governor Bligh by the New South Wales Corps was the result of a 1806 a new governor, , was sent to take back control of the colony. The arrest of Tdesperate power struggle between the military and the government. It was the The conflict that followed between Bligh and the New South Wales Corps is only time in Australian history that the government was overthrown by the military. known as the ‘Rum Rebellion’. It is one of the key events in Australia’s history. Governor Bligh Thisby is the story of the people, the ideas and the events that led to the Rum Rebellion, the New South Walesand how it changed Australia forever.

Australian soldiers, such as the Australian This painting shows how the soldiers of the New South Wales Corps Armed resistanceCorps was the result Federation Guard, are loyal to the prime Rebellion: were cheered as they marched to arrest Governor Bligh. minister, but early governors such as Bligh against a government. of a desperate power were not shown the same loyalty. What does it mean? struggle between the military and the government. It was the only time in Australian history that the government was overthrown by the military.

a desperate power 4 struggle between the 5 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 The big picture Power struggles The New South Wales Corps had a duty to obey the governor and After Governor Phillip left, governors support the government. However, most of the soldiers were rough John Hunter (1795–1800) and Philip and untrained, and their officers were poor leaders, loyal only to Gidley King (1800–1806) tried to break the power of the Corps. They each other. Governor Arthur Phillip kept tight control over them, passed laws taxing rum and limiting but after he left in 1792, the Corps began to do as they liked. They the amount of alcohol the officers granted themselves land and convicts to work it, and took control could import. By 1800, rich Sydney of all the trade in the colony. merchants such as Robert Campbell began to take business away from Governor Bligh (below) was determined to Buying and selling goods the Corps officers. The power was achieve what former governors Hunter (left) and shifting. When Governor Bligh came King (right) had not been able to do – control The officers of the New South Wales Corps were paid by the British government. to New South Wales in 1806 he the Corps and restore power to the government. They used their British pounds to buy food and other goods from merchants was determined to defeat the Corps. visiting Sydney. Nobody else in Sydney had any money – the settlers did all their However, the men of the Corps buying and selling by swapping and bartering goods. By the 1790s, Corps The arrest of would not give up their power officers were buying whole cargoes, then selling the goods to the settlers at Governor Bligh withoutby a fight. much higher prices. Without money, the settlers could not buy supplies direct from the merchant ships. They had to buy goods from the Corps officers and paythe New South Wales whatever they demanded. Prices became very high, and poor settlers suffered. Corps was the resultEyewitness words Almost all the ships that visited the colony brought rum, and soon settlers were also making it themselves. Rum quickly became the most popular form of of a desperate powerI am not here for my payment in the colony. Workers were often paid in rum, and the colony was full struggle between❝ease theor comfort but to do of drunken men and women. Corps officers made a lot of money from the rum justice and relieve the poor trade – so much so that they were nicknamed the ‘Rum Corps’. Before long, they military and the were the richest and most powerful people in the colony. settlers, who must be the government. supportIt was of the country and the only timeare in honester (more honest) In the early 1800s, almost all supplies in the colony were shipped in from overseas, men than those who wish so trading ships were important to the survival of the colony. Australian history that the governmentto keep them under. Letter from Governor William Bligh❞ was overthrownto , by around 1806 the military.

a desperate power 6 struggle between the 7 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Key people Three people played key roles in the rebellion. Major George Johnston

Born: 1764 in Annandale, Scotland Role: Commander of the New South Wales Corps and leader of the rebellion William Bligh Age at the time of the rebellion: 43 Died: 1823 Appearance: Tall, lean, handsome, thick Born: 9 September 1754 in the port of white hair, kindly expression Plymouth, England John Macarthur Character: Popular, friendly, sensible and Role: Governor of New South Wales good-natured but easily led by others. Age at the time of the rebellion Born: 1767 near Plymouth, England Comments: Johnston was a highly (1808): 53 The arrest of Role: The mastermind behind the respected officer until the rebellion. Died: 1817 Governor Blighrebellion by However, he allowed himself to be heavily Appearance: Short, stocky, round face, influenced by Macarthur and turned out to Age at the time of the rebellion: 41 pale skin, bright blue eyes, thinning hair the New South Wales be a weak leader. Died: 1834 Character: Courageous, stubborn and Corps was the result proud, with a terrible temper. Bligh liked Appearance: Average height, thin, praise but was a poor judge of others. He hid of a desperate brownpower hair, narrow face, steely brown eyes self-doubt beneath a strict and formal mask. struggle betweenCharacter: the Clever, cold, proud and Comments: Bligh was a brilliant seaman determined, a loner with a fierce, who showed great courage in battle. He military andslow-burning the will to get his way, which was not violent, but his wild temper, poor made him many enemies. judgement and proud manner turned men government. Comments:It was Macarthur was a former against him. Bligh suffered two rebellions, the only timeofficer in of the Corps who had become including the famous mutiny on the ship extremely wealthy. He was brilliant Bounty in 1789, during which he was thrown Australian businessmanhistory and grazier who did a lot off his ship and set adrift in an open boat. to make the colony a success. Macarthur He survived through brilliant seamanship, that the governmentowned land and trading ships and had sailing 6700 kilometres to Timor. Bligh was was overthrowna great deal of power.by However, he a terrible choice of governor of New South mutiny: an uprising against constantly picked fights with others and Wales during the struggles with the Corps, a person or people in power the military.plotted against his enemies. An ideas man, and only made things worse. What does it mean? he could fire up an angry crowd but could not inspire loyalty.

a desperate power 8 struggle between the 9 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Trouble in New Governor Bligh got to work. The British Government was worried about New South Wales. The South Wales settlement was awash with rum, trade was controlled by a few rich No more land men and no one could control the New South Wales Corps. The colony grants to anyone!! 6 Augustneeded a strong man to govern it. William Bligh, the famously strict and tough navy commander, was chosen for the job. 1806 BOOM But what about They’re the land you were , England Sydney BOOM mostly Corps granted? They say officers, sir. Be firm, Bligh, he’s tough. Why have all and watch these people out for that That’s different. Oh, we’ll been given land? troublemaker It’s Bligh, the Bligh of the deal with Macarthur. new governor, famous mutiny him. on the Bounty? I will take arriving. control, sir. Bligh kept the large plots of land that Governor King gave him. John Macarthur, an ex-soldier and rum trader, was the power Bligh also took cattle from … used convicts as free behind the Corps. the government herd … labour to work his land … Bligh has stopped our Government House land grants.

Welcome, Thank you, Governor. Major Johnston.

Yes, he’s keeping the land for himself. Well, Mary, Yes, papa. it’s rough. But I’m here to work and set October things right. But the British Government gave it … and used government Macarthur visited to me to raise sheep for wool … money to build his houses. A few days later, John Macarthur led an official welcome party … Macarthur Governor Bligh. Grant of land to doesn’t speak John Macarthur HOORAY! for us. When can I take We, the free up my new land? men of Sydney, By order welcome you …

What have I to do with your sheep, sir? So this is the ... You have got 5000 acres of land, sir, troublemaker in the finest situation in the country, I was warned but by God you shan’t keep it! 10 about. You have plenty 11 It’s not fair. of land already! Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macarthur became Bligh’s bitter enemy. He has a point, Atkins. Meanwhile, the poor settlers Macarthur has Give these to the The Magistrates Court, Sydney, Government House plenty of meat lambs asked Bligh for help. poor farmers. a few days later … What?! he could sell you. I agree, Yes, so You idiot, The floods ruined That’ll drive down Major do I. Atkins! our crops, sir. He’s keeping them the prices. Macarthur Johnston. We don’t have so supply is short won’t be happy. enough food. and he can drive But, sir, I … up the price.

… a British subject ... has had his property Hmm … Yes, governor. wrested (taken) from him … without any authority … or Don’t you see February Macarthur won his Macarthur’s making 1807 reason… than it was theDecember Governor’ s order. case against Bligh. me look a fool? Bligh is making Macarthur’s house, 1807 Bligh tried to stop trouble for us. the trade in rum. He’s taken our Bligh won’t stop What’s This will land and ruined me trading rum, Macarthur’s house going on? I won’t ruin our our tradE. Elizabeth. pay it! business! Sir, your ship P arramaTTA No, dear. has returned. That ship and Then you crew stay there can’t unload until you pay up. the cargo.

I won’t I’ll ride to A convict had escaped on 22 October Macarthur had ordered a rum-making stand for it! kit called a still from England. the harbour the Parramatta’s last trip, Macarthur left the tomorrow. so Macarthur, the ship’s Parramatta and her crew owner, had to pay a fine. stranded in the harbour. The governor has no Bu t I ordered right to take a man’s You have come it before he private property! Judge Atkins wrote Your still ashore against the 14 December 1807 banned them! to Macarthur. is here, sir. Good. governor’s order! You will appear before We had to, sir. me at 10 a.m. on 15 th Macarthur left December 1807 to explain us no food. your neglect of your ship and crew. Let’s ask What’ll we Judge Atkins. Judge Atkins do, Captain Glen? Sorry – 12 Governor’s 13 Stop! I’m taking this. orders. MacmillanS tDigitalills Library are: Storiesbann fromed. Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 MacarthurISBN 978 1 4202 decided9387 6 to Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 take the matter to court. 13 January 15 January 1808

Next day … noon. Oakes rode to Macarthur’s Bligh warned Here’s a warrant, house in Parramatta. Macarthur not to Macarthur got a Macarthur put the Constable Oakes. You are forbiddenbreak to the build new law. squad of Corps men to fence up again, defying Macarthur build a fence around the plot. the governor’s orders. won’t come, on land in Bridge Street … I never Governor. I’ll bring near the church … Pull that fence will submit him in, sir. down, OR WE”LL You’re under to the horrid C. Grimes DO IT FOR YOU. arrest, tyranny … Government Surveyor Macarthur. I consider it with By order Governor Bligh scorn and contempt No! as I do the persons who have [sent Arrest him! you]. Bligh can’t stop 16 December me. I’ll show him! 1807 25 January

I’ll charge you … The court case about Parramatta, later that day. Quiet!! Let him Next day, Macarthur Macarthur’s ship began. Magistrates All the other speak! appeared in court … Apart from Atkins, the magistrates Court Face the court and magistrates support argue your case, you. You’ll get off. were Macarthur’s friends. We cannot allow Macarthur. him to ignore the law, Johnston. No, sir, I will commit You’re right, Read the you to gaol! Atkins. I’ll charges. talk to him. You’re a Macarthur drunken idiot! … wicked … Judge Atkins was scared and ran away. Hmm … alright. depraved mind … I refuse to be judged The other magistrates set Macarthur free, 4 p.m. 5.30 p.m. by that drunk, Atkins. … and was let out on STOP! You have no although he had not had a proper trial. bail to await his trial. right to judge me!

The other judges wrote to Bligh regarded Macarthur as Bligh sent for Major Macarthur plotted to get Meanwhile, Bligh made No one’s house 21 December 1807 Bligh asking for a new judge. an escaped criminal because Johnston, the Corps Atkins sacked as a judge … an unpopular move. is safe. he had not faced trial. commander, who was sick in bed. Governor Bligh, Where can These houses are on we go? Where is he? Atkins owes me £82 and Capture government land. Macarthur! refuses to repay the debt. No! He SAYS HE’S This makes him unfit to sit TOO SICK to in judgment at my trial. come, Sir. John Macarthur Yes, sir. But Governor King allowed WHAT?? them … 14 Bligh also ordered the judges 15 … butMacmillan Bligh Digital ignored Library: Stories fromPull Australia’s them History down Set 3 !© Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBNBligh 978 1warned 4202 9387 all6 the settlers not How dareMacmillan they Digitalsack Library : Stories tofrom come Australia’s to History him Set the 3 © Macmillannext day Publishers to Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387Bligh 6 had lost control the complaint. to build on government land. Atkins – that’s a crime! face criminal charges. of the colony. Viewpoints , governor Some people in New South Wales saw Governor Bligh as a dangerous, power-mad leader who threatened people’s lives of New South Wales, 1800–1806 and twisted the laws to suit himself. They felt that by standing up to Bligh, John Macarthur was defending justice Philip Gidley King was governor of New South Wales before and freedom. However, others believed that Bligh had done Captain Bligh arrived. Like Bligh, King tried hard to limit no wrong, and that Macarthur was determined to destroy the Macarthur’s trade in rum and weaken his power. However, legal government so he could hold on to his power. The Macarthur plotted to have King removed by writing letters of following extracts show these two different points of view. complaint to the government in England. Governor King believed Macarthur was an evil, greedy man who would stop at nothing to get his way. He wrote this letter to the Duke of Portland complaining about Macarthur: The rebels The arrest of John Macarthur and his … there are no resources supporters claimed they had Governor Bligh by to act against Bligh to uphold ❝which art, cunning (sly freedom and justice in the the New Southcleverness), Wales impudence (rudeness) colony. They wrote to William Corps was the resultand a pair of basilisk (snake-like) Bligh and accused him of eyes can afford that he does not committing crimes: of a desperate power[use] … to obtain any point he struggle betweenundertakes the … one half of the … it appears that you military andcolony the already belongs to him, and ❝(Governor Bligh) have been it will not be long before he gets acting upon a settled plan to government. It wasthe other half. subvert (undermine) the laws, the only time in After his arrest, the New South Wales Corps P ❞ to terrify and influence the hilip 1 circulated this cartoon of Governor Bligh Australian history G idley King, 180 Courts of Justice, and to … hiding under the bed to make him look (take away from) every person foolish and try to justify their actions. that the government who had the misfortune to be was overthrownLike by Bligh, Governor Philip obnoxious (offensive) to you Gidley King believed John … their property, liberty the military. Macarthur would stop at and lives. nothing to get his way. ❞ Nicholas Bayley and others in a letter to William Bligh, 28 January 1808 a desperate power 16 struggle between the 17 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 6.30 p.m. Rebellion 26 January Macarthur had ended his own trial and threatened the chief judge. The in the Corps other magistrates backed Macarthur and refused to work with Judge Atkins. Major Johnston and the Corps marched on Government House to arrest Bligh. Morning, It was open rebellion! Major Johnston, the army commander, was torn Afternoon 5 p.m. 26 January between loyalty to his friends in the Corps and his duty to Governor Bligh. 1808 Hooray! Major Sir, Bligh has charged your officers with Johnston’s treason. Johnston decided to go and house ask Macarthur what to do. That means hanging!

I should help Bligh Quick … Inside Government House, Bligh didn’t know … but he’s mad Sir, the Corps I must hide the with power! that the troops were coming to arrest him. is coming! government papers. They’re armed! Get my horse Johnston felt bad about and cart. defying Bligh. But then … I’ll deal with the Bligh threatens our ARREST BLIGH! Macarthur wrote a statement calling traitors lives and property. … every man’s property, for Johnston to replace Bligh. tomorrow. liberty and life are WHAT?? endangered… [we beg you] HOORAY! Yes! to place Governor Bligh under arrest and… [take] command of the colony. Without official papers, the rebels couldn’t govern the colony. He must be stopped! But how? Meanwhile, Bligh’s daughter You’re all Over 100 soldiers and Mary rushed outside. under arrest! civilians6 p.m. signed it. God’s curse, what am I to do, Johnston gathered his troops … Macarthur? Surround the house!

The only You’ll hang thing left … for this! is to do it. I hope I’m Stand doing the aside! right thing. How dare you threaten my father! 18 … but Bligh wasn’t there.19 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 More than 300 soldiers lined up. 27 January 1808

Meanwhile, upstairs … Next day, Macarthur held trials of Bligh’s men. The rebels gathered evidence to show they had done the right thing. Where’s Bligh? Atkins, did Bligh try Bligh undermined the If Johnston hadn’t They won’t get to make you change courts, didn’t he? taken charge, the I don’t know. their hands on He’s not your judgEments? people would have these! here. rioted. Search the house.

The soldiers searched Yes, I for two hours, then … Well … I … suppose so. Thank you, Captain Abbott.

Bligh destroyed as many Bligh’s supporters were sent to work in coalmines. papers as he could. Next day, Government House. He was hiding under a bed! Save it for your I’ll hide the Your friends court case. papers here. Get your have admitted your crimes. Bligh will hands off me! make trouble, Macarthur.

Aha! Ha ha!

Don’t let him speak Diabolically You can’t try to anyone. false! me! I answer only to my King. 9 p.m. They kept Bligh locked They took Bligh downstairs. up in Government House. Silence! You are no longer This is treason, governor! Inside Government House But how will The soldiers gave Bligh Johnston! The troops left, putting Bligh … the colony [is] you send it? a letter26 from January Johnston. 1808 under house arrest. He was a in the hands of the prisoner in his own home. … Nothing I’ll find You are charged … [with] What are you military a way. crimes that [make] you doing, Papa? but calamity (disaster) unfit [to be governor] … I require you … to Writing to the upon calamity [is] to be Government expected, even massacre resign … and to submit to in England. … arrest … and secret murder. Lieutenant-Governor George Johnston 20 21 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 2 February 1808

The rebels set up a new Macarthur’s Macarthur was cheered The rebels quarrelled. As the rebels became unpopular, the They tried to make government with Johnston unfinished in the streets of Sydney. settlers began to support Bligh. They Bligh look like a fool … in charge. Grimes, we need a trial was re-started. asked theTo Lieutenant- LieutenantGovernor Paterson, Paterson new judge to replace of Van Diemen’s Land () for help. Atkins. Will you do it? We, the free settlers of Sydney, beg you to come and set Governor Bligh free and restore justice … We find you not guilty of neglecting THE Macarthur PARRAMATTA and ITS crew. fights with Ha ha! Of course, Sir. everyone! Thank you, gentlemen. Grimes was a good friend. Paterson refused, but the July March rebels became nervous. 1809 Macarthur Macarthur became Colonial … bought government land and Soon … looks after Secretary and took charge cattle for himself… himself. … Macarthur resigned … Meanwhile, Bligh’s letter Bligh remained under of the law courts … arrived in England. arrest at Government You can’t House until … trust him. This is an We must send a Phew! Sack Judge Grimes! They’re outrage! new governor to restore order. all fools! Good Why? riddance.

We’re sending He jailed you back to my friend. England. I wish I I refuse hadn’t December to leave! … and refused to help poor backed him. … and Johnston was replaced, too, was chosen 1809 April 13 March settlers and ex-convicts. but the Corps still ruled the colony. and sailed for Sydney. Macarthur’s a disgrace! Meanwhile, in Government Bligh’s friend hid the letter … Johnston and Macarthur were House, Bligh at last got a afraid of being arrested for Macquarie arrived in Sydney and chance to smuggle out his letter. Finally, Bligh pretended treason. became the new Governor. to sail for England … They could Halt! hang us in What’s Make sure this England. that? letter reaches England. The courts Just some Hooray for the are a joke! bills. new Governor! Let’s go back Who’s in charge? and argue our case. He sent the Corps back to England, 22 … but he anchored off restored order to the colony and 23 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202… 9387 and 6 sent it to the Sydney, waiting forMacmillan a chance Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishersgoverned Australia 2012 wiselyISBN 978 1and 4202 well.9387 6 The Rum Johnston couldn’t keep control. government in England. to regain power. They sailed together for England. Rebellion was over. What happened next? Eyewitness words Aftermath William Bligh was outraged at the rebels’ The judges at Johnston’s trial believed that When Governor Lachlan Macquarie arrived in New South Wales in light punishments – he thought they should Bligh was partly to blame for the rebellion have been hanged. He wrote a book giving December 1809, he quickly took control. He announced that and that Johnston had acted in good faith. his version of the events of the rebellion, but Johnston would be arrested in England, and sent Bligh back to They explained his light sentence: London to be a witness at the trial. Macquarie sacked the officers of his reputation had been damaged by the the Corps and replaced them with his own loyal troops. All the laws The court, in passing trial, and no one took him seriously. Bligh that had been passed during the rebellion were reversed, and Bligh’s ❝a sentence so inadequate was promoted to vice-admiral, but never given another command and he became supporters were rescued from the coalmines. Macquarie’s actions (not enough) to the … won the trust of the settlers. a bitter man. He retired to his country house [seriousness] of the crime in Kent, England, where he died of cancer of which the prisoner on 7 December 1817, aged 63. Johnston’s trial (Johnston) has been found George Johnston returned to Sydney in May George Johnston was put on trial guilty, have … been [moved] 1813. He became a successful grazier and, for mutiny in England in May surprisingly, a trusted friend to Governor 1811. Macarthur and Judge The arrest of … by … the … extraordinary Macquarie. Johnston never again showed Atkins spoke in his defence. circumstances … any interest in rebellion. Bligh was in the witness box for Governor Bligh by three days. He was there to help the New South Wales ❞ convict Johnston, but instead, his own failings as governor were Corps was the result revealed. Johnston argued that After his trial, George Johnston he had to overthrow Bligh to of a desperate returnedpower to Sydney and lived out his avoid disaster. On 2 July 1811, days in his home, Annandale House. Johnston was found guilty, but struggle between the his only punishment was to be military and the sacked from the army. The other rebels were punished lightly, too. government. It was the only time in Australian history that the government

Governor Lachlan Macquarie restored was overthrown by order to the colony of New South Wales and went on to become one the military. of Australia’s finest leaders.

a desperate power 24 struggle between the 25 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 The effects of the Rum Rebellion The Rum Rebellion had important and long-lasting effects A more equal society John Macarthur? on Australia. The rule of the New South Wales Corps led to After Johnston’s trial, Macarthur was warned that he would be arrested if an unequal and unfair society. While Macarthur What ever happened to … he went back to Sydney. He stayed and the Corps officers grew rich, poor settlers Limited military power in England for six years until he was and ex-convicts struggled to survive. Governor allowed to return to Australia in 1817. After the Rum Rebellion, the British government was determined to make sure Macquarie changed all this. Poor settlers were He developed a thriving merino wool that the military never gained power over the government again. Under granted more land and given convicts to help export business at in Governor Macquarie, military courts were banned and trials were overseen farm it. Ex-convicts were invited to Government Parramatta. Macarthur was elected to by strictly independent judges. Government officials had to be civilians, not House and given important jobs. Australia the Legislative Council in 1825, but his military men, and soldiers were kept firmly under the governor’s control. became a place where people had a chance to mental health declined in 1832 and he These changes formed the basis of Australia’s strong civilian government, succeed no matter what their background. died two years later. which is still in place today. The arrest of October 1807 Timeline Governor Bligh byMacarthur’s rum still is This timeline shows the most important events related to the Rum Rebellion. seized. Macarthur takes the the New South Walesmatter to court and wins.

Corps was the result February 1808 25 January 1808 Macarthur is re-tried of a desperate powerMacarthur appears December 1809 1788 6 August 1806 and acquitted. Johnston in court and defies Governor Lachlan appoints Macarthur as Major George Governor Williamstruggle between theJudge Atkins. Macquarie arrives colonial secretary and he Johnston arrives in Bligh arrives in in New South Wales takes control of the colony. New South Wales Sydney military and the and restores order. with the First Fleet government. It was the only time in 1790 1800 1805 Australian history 1810 that the government July 1808 1793–95 February 1807was overthrown by May–July 1811 Macarthur resigns. 1790 Corps officers govern Bligh bans the use 14 December 1807 Johnston is tried The New South New South Wales of rum as paymentthe military.Macarthur is charged and found guilty Wales Corps for goods with neglect of his 26 January 1808 March 1809 of mutiny. He is arrives in Sydney. ship Parramatta. The Rum Rebellion Bligh is released sacked from the John Macarthur is – Johnston backs from house army. a member. Macarthur and places arrest. Johnston Governor Bligh under and Macarthur a desperate power house arrest. sail for England. 26 struggle between the 27 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 What do you think? What would you do? The following scenes actually occurred at the time of the Rum Rebellion. The Rum Rebellion raises important issues about the abuse of power Read each scene, then choose what you would do. and the right to question people in authority. Try the following activities to test your own ideas about these subjects. Scene 1 Who was right? You are Governor Bligh before the rebellion. The wealthy Sydney merchant wants to transfer cargo from one ship to another without bringing the goods ashore. The two sides of the rebellion of 1808 had different ideas about the absolute power Normally, this would be illegal because it would avoid taxes. Simeon Lord writes to you of the governor. Read the following opinions and have a discussion about who you asking permission to transfer the goods directly from one ship to the other. Would you … think was right. A imprison Simeon Lord and his business partners for making an improper request B fly into a rage at first, but give in the next day and agree The governor The rebels The arrest of C agree to the request but take some of the cargo as a payment for the favour? The position of governor Authority should notGovernor Bligh by should be respected be obeyed if people’s Scene 2 without question. rights are being the New South Wales You are Constable Oakes, a policeman who has been loyal to Governor Bligh. You hear As the legally appointed threatened. Bligh wasCorps was the resultthat the Corps have arrested Bligh and his supporters. Would you … governor, Bligh had the unfit for the position of a desperate powerA run away and hide right to rule as he saw of governor and abused B arm a group of settlers and try to rescue Bligh fit. No one had the right the power he had been struggle between the to question his actions given. For the good military and theC find a trusted officer to get help for Bligh? or defy his authority. of the colony, he had to government. It was be arrested and removed the only time inScene 3 from power. Australian historyYou are David Collins, lieutenant-governor of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania). When Bligh is released from house arrest in Sydney, he sails to and demands to take control that the governmentthere as governor. Would you … was overthrownA refuse by to get involved and wait for orders from England the military. B turn Bligh and his ship away and tell them not to come back C gather an army and prepare to march on Sydney and restore Bligh as governor of New South Wales? Once you have chosen what you a desperate power would do in each scene, find out what 28 struggle between the actually happened on page 31. 29 Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Macmillan Digital Library: Stories from Australia’s History Set 3 © Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 Find out more Website http://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/discover_collections/history_nation/terra_ australis/rebellion/index.html This website from the State Library of New South Wales includes background information and original maps, paintings and documents from the time of the rebellion. The arrest of Book Governor Bligh by William Bligh, Account of the Rebellion of the New South Wales Corps, edited by John Currey, Banks Society Publications, 2003 the New South Wales This is Bligh’s own eyewitness account of the events of the Rum Rebellion, Corps was the result secretly smuggled to England. It includes original letters and documents from the period. of a desperate power DVD struggle between the Rogue Nation, Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Screen military and the Australia, 2009 This two-part documentary focuses on the early years of New South Wales. government. It was It explores the personalities, issues and motives behind the Rum Rebellion and includes a historically accurate dramatisation of the events. the only time in Place to visit Australian history Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta, New South Wales that the government Elizabeth Farm, built by John Macarthur in 1793 and named after his wife, is Australia’s oldest homestead. Macarthur and his family lived there during the was overthrown by Rum Rebellion, and the property later became the centre of Australia’s merino the military. wool industry. Elizabeth Farm is now a museum and welcomes visitors.

Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta, New South Wales

a desperate power 30 struggle between the Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6

© Macmillan Publishers Australia 2012 ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6 9387 4202 1 978 ISBN 2012 Australia Publishers Macmillan © 3 Set History Australia’s from Stories : Library Digital Macmillan 31

do with him. him. with do

the governor’s son – that Collins confined him to his ship and refused to have anything more to to more anything have to refused and ship his to him confined Collins that – son governor’s the

involved until he heard from England. In Hobart, Bligh was such a nuisance – he even flogged flogged even he – nuisance a such was Bligh Hobart, In England. from heard he until involved

Scene 3: A. Lieutenant-Governor Collins was sympathetic to Bligh but refused to become become to refused but Bligh to sympathetic was Collins Lieutenant-Governor A. 3: Scene

supporter. supporter. rebel a was Abbott best‘. the for be must it well, ’Very said: Abbott rebellion,

Captain Abbott, a respected officer and magistrate, for help. When Oakes told him about the the about him told Oakes When help. for magistrate, and officer respected a Abbott, Captain

roadblocks, to ask ask to roadblocks, Corps dodging Parramatta, to night the through rode Oakes C. 2: Scene

arrested, fined and sent to prison for one month for ‘writing to the governor in improper terms’. terms’. improper in governor the to ‘writing for month one for prison to sent and fined arrested,

Scene 1: A. Bligh was outraged at Lord’s letter. He had Lord and his two business partners partners business two his and Lord had He letter. Lord’s at outraged was Bligh A. 1: Scene

on page 29: page on

What actually happened in the ‘What would you do?’ scenes described described scenes do?’ you would ‘What the in happened actually What

the military. military. the

was overthrown by by overthrown was

a written authority to make an arrest an make to authority written a warrant that the government government the that

oppressive, unjust rule unjust oppressive, tyranny

Australian history history Australian

people who betray trust betray who people traitors

the only time in in time only the a kit for making alcoholic drinks such as rum as such drinks alcoholic making for kit a still

a place where people live people where place a settlement

government. It was was It government.

term for all alcoholic spirits. alcoholic all for term

military and the the and military

an alcoholic spirit made from sugar cane. In the 1800s ‘rum’ was also a general general a also was ‘rum’ 1800s the In cane. sugar from made spirit alcoholic an rum

people who fight against the government the against fight who people rebels struggle between the the between struggle

army military

of a desperate power power desperate a of

people who buy and sell goods sell and buy who people merchants

Corps was the result result the was Corps freedom liberty

justice fairness and rightness and fairness

the New South Wales Wales South New the

the original peoples of Australia of peoples original the peoples Indigenous

Governor Bligh by by Bligh Governor

a sheep or cattle farmer cattle or sheep a grazier

a person in charge in person a governor The arrest of of arrest The

a unit of soldiers and officers and soldiers of unit a corps

someone serving a sentence in jail for committing a crime a committing for jail in sentence a serving someone convict

an area of land that is controlled by a distant country distant a by controlled is that land of area an colony

non-military people non-military civilians

shipments of goods of shipments cargoes Glossary Index A K S arrests 5, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, King, Philip Gidley 7, 11, 14, 17 sentences 25 27, 28, 29 settlers 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 22, 23, 24, Atkins, Judge Richard 13, 14–15, L 27, 29 18, 20–21, 22, 24, 27 land grants 6, 11, 27 soldiers 4, 5, 6, 18, 20, 26 laws 7, 14, 15, 16, 24 Sydney 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 23, 25 B Legislative Council 27 4 British government 6, 10, 11, 17, 26 M Macarthur, Elizabeth 12, 30 T C Macarthur, John 5, 9, 10–11, trade 4, 6, 10, 12, 17 cargo 6, 13, 29 12–13, 14–15, 16, 17, 18–19, 21, trading ships 6, 9, 13, 29 convicts 4, 6, 11, 13, 22, 27 22–23, 24, 26–27, 30 treason 18, 20, 23 courts 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, Macquarie, Lachlan 23, 24, 25, trials 14, 15, 18, 21, 22, 24, 25, 25, 26 26–27 26, 27 crimes 15, 16, 20, 21, 25 Magistrates Court 13, 14 mutiny 8, 24, 27 W E 8, 10 warrants 14 Elizabeth Farm 27, 30 wool 11, 27, 30 ex-convicts 22, 27 N New South Wales Corps 4, 5, 6, 7, F 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24, First Fleet 4, 26 26, 27, 30 G O Government House 5, 10, 19, 21, officers 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 18, 24, 27, 29 22, 23, 27 Grimes, Charles 15, 22 P Parramatta 12, 14, 27, 30 H Parramatta 13, 27 house arrest 20, 27, 29 Paterson, Lieutenant governor Hunter, John 7 William 23 I Phillip, Captain Arthur 4, 6, 7 Indigenous peoples 4 R rebellion 4, 5, 8, 9, 18–19, 20, J 24–25, 26–27, 28–29, 30 Johnston, Major George 5, 9, 10, rebels 16, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 13, 14–15, 18–19, 20–21, 22–23, rum 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 26 24–25, 26, 27 rum still 12, 27 judges 13, 14, 15, 18, 22, 25, 26 justice 7, 16, 23

a desperate power 32 struggle between the Macmillan Digital Library: Storiesmilitary from Australia’s History Set 3 © andMacmillan Publishers the Australia 2012 goverment ISBN 978 1 4202 9387 6