Unit Description 

The Rights and Freedoms unit is part of a broader study of the history or the modern world and Australia from 1918 to present. The twentieth century was a critical period economically, socially and politically in Australia. This depth study focusses on the struggles for human rights globally and in Australia. Students will investigate how the rights and freedoms of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders were systematically ignored and the events that took place in Australia demanding and achieving civil liberties in Australia.  

Outcomes 

A student:   

• HT5-2 sequences and explains the significant patterns of continuity and change in the development of the modern world and Australia 

• HT5-3 explains and analyses the motives and actions of past individuals and groups in historical contexts that shaped the modern world and Australia 

• HT5-6 uses relevant evidence from sources to support historical narratives, explanations and analyses of the modern world and Australia 

• Selects and analyses a range of historical sources to locate information relevant to an historical inquiry 

• HT5-9 applies a range of relevant historical terms and concepts when communicating an understanding of the past 

• HT5-10 selects and uses appropriate oral, written, visual and digital forms to communicate effectively about the past for different audiences 

Assessment:  Week 10

AT1 - Rights and Freedoms, Perspectives and Interpretations - Student Choice Task - Weighting: 40% 

Overview

Rights and freedoms have been a central concern for people throughout history. Since the end of World War II in 1945, there have been many efforts to secure these rights and freedoms for all people, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity.

One of the most significant events in the struggle for civil rights was the American Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, African Americans and other minority groups in the United States fought for their rights to vote, to be treated equally under the law, and to be free from discrimination and segregation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were key pieces of legislation that helped to secure many of these rights.

Another important development in the struggle for rights and freedoms has been the growth of the feminist movement. Women around the world have fought for their right to vote, to control their own bodies, and to be treated equally in the workplace. This movement has resulted in a number of important gains, including the passage of laws protecting women from gender-based discrimination and violence.

In recent years, there has been increased attention paid to the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ+ individuals. In many countries, homosexuality has been decriminalized, and there have been efforts to provide legal protections for LGBTQ+ people, including the right to marry and adopt children.

Overall, the struggle for rights and freedoms has been a long and ongoing process. While there have been many important gains in recent years, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all people are treated equally under the law and are able to enjoy their rights and freedoms. It is important that we continue to work towards this goal and to fight for the rights and freedoms of all people.

Key Inquiry Questions 

• How did the struggle of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander peoples for equal civil rights impact the cultural/social and political landscape of Australia? 

• What impact did global events such as the US Civil Rights Movement have on the struggle for civil rights of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people in Australia? 

• How are the efforts to secure civil rights in Australia today different then in the past? 

What does the source reveal about the influence of the US civil rights movement on activists such as Stan Grant?

• Take a few minutes to think about your response.

• Write down your ideas.

• Turn to a nearby student and share your answer.

• Listen to the response of your partner and follow up with any questions you may have about their interpretation.

• Write down any ideas that came out of your discussion.

After World War II and the Holocaust, the international community wanted to prevent further tragedies. The formation of the United Nations in 1945 was a direct result of this, leading to the development of international policies that attempted to guide all countries in their treatment of people. This included the United States, where the African American community still faced widespread discrimination, and Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples also faced a range of issues as they struggled to improve their rights and freedoms. 

Key questions

• Why were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples disadvantaged in the twentieth century?

• In what ways were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples actively discriminated against in Australia during the twentieth century?

• What was the nature of the US civil rights movement?

• In what ways did the US civil rights movement affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander activism?

• What factors led to changes in the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia in the twentieth century?

• To what extent did the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples improve by the early twenty-first century?

• How has government policy changed in response to the struggle for rights and freedoms?