1854 AD
Eureka Rebellion
Gold miners challenged colonial authority at Ballarat, culminating in a deadly confrontation.
- Time period
- 1854 AD
- Region
- Australia
- Theme
- Politics
- Civilization
- Colony of Victoria
The Eureka Rebellion arose from gold miners’ opposition to costly mining licences and harsh enforcement in colonial Victoria. Led by Peter Lalor, rebels built a stockade at Ballarat, where colonial troops and police attacked on 3 December 1854. The rebels were defeated, but thirteen prisoners subsequently tried for high treason were acquitted. The uprising was followed by mining tax and electoral reforms.