Episode 017 - The Rum Rebellion (1808)

In 1808, one of the most unusual events in Australian colonial history unfolded – the Rum Rebellion. This was a violent and pivotal uprising against the New South Wales colonial government, instigated by the colony’s military officers and led by Major George Johnston. The rebellion was fueled by a power struggle between Governor William Bligh, whose strict policies angered many, and the New South Wales Corps, who controlled the rum trade and sought to maintain their influence. The rebellion resulted in the overthrow of Bligh and his eventual removal from office, marking the first and only successful armed takeover of an Australian government.

Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into the intriguing history of the Rum Rebellion, exploring the politics, the conflict, and the lasting impact it had on early Australian governance.

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Sources cited: 

• Evatt, H. V. 1938. Rum Rebellion. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
• Ellis, M. H. 1955. John Macarthur. Sydney: Angus & Robertson.
• Bartram, J. 1811. Proceedings of a General Court-Martial, held at Chelsea Hospital. London: Sherwood, Neely & Jones.
• The Sydney Morning Herald. 2008. "Captain Bligh's other mutiny." January 20. Accessed August 17, 2021. https://www.smh.com.au/national/captain- blighs-other-mutiny-20080120-gdrxd6.html.

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