Explain how Henry Reynolds' publications in the 1970s and 1980s on the frontier conflict between Aborigines and Europeans challenged the long held assumption that Aborigines were passive victims of white domination. Attempt to answer his question. Give reasons for your choice, and explain why such a question needs to be asked. Glen Barclay has written that Australia saw its alliance with the United States during the Cold War as 'a very small insurance policy'. Elaborate on what he means, and critically assess the aptness of his description.
All questions carry equal marks.
Critically assess Anne Summers' and Miriam Dixson's arguments on the foundations of patriarchy in Australia. Evaluate the conclusion in the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission's 1997 report 'Bringing Them Home' that the forcible removal of Aboriginal children from their parents constituted an act of genocide. John Hirst has suggested that in comparison with the Californian goldfields there was little racially motivated violence against the Chinese during the Australian gold rushes. Comment on Hirst's suggestion. Using recently released cabinet documents, examine Coral Bell's thesis of Australia being a dependent ally during the 1960s.