Alfred Deakin

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Alfred Deakin

Role / Field:

Father of Australian Federation and second Prime Minister of Australia.

Born:

1856-08-03

Died:

1919-10-07

Century / Era:

1856s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Foundations

Alfred Deakin (3 August 1856 – 7 October 1919) was the second prime minister of Australia. He served three terms from 1903 to 1904, from 1905 to 1908, and from 1909 to 1910. He held office as the leader of the Protectionist Party, and in his final term as that of the Liberal Party. He is notable for being one of the fathers of Federation and for his influence in early Australian politics.

Key Developments & Impact

Deakin was born in Melbourne to middle-class parents. He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1879, aged 23, additionally working as a barrister and journalist. He held ministerial office sporadically beginning in 1883, aligning himself with liberal and radical reformers. In the 1890s, Deakin became one of the leading figures in the movement for the federation of the Australian colonies. He was a delegate to the federal conventions and served on the committees that drafted the federal constitution.

Enduring Legacy

He later campaigned at a series of referendums and lobbied the British government for its adoption. After the Federation in 1901, Deakin became the inaugural attorney-general of Australia in the ministry led by his close friend Edmund Barton. He succeeded Barton as prime minister in September...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1856 (1856-08-03): Birth of Alfred Deakin — Father of Australian Federation and second Prime Minister of Australia.
2. 1879: 1879 Milestone — He was elected to the Victorian Legislative Assembly in 1879, aged 23, additionally working as a barrister and journalist.
3. 1883: 1883 Milestone — He held ministerial office sporadically beginning in 1883, aligning himself with liberal and radical reformers.
4. 1901: 1901 Milestone — After the Federation in 1901, Deakin became the inaugural attorney-general of Australia in the ministry led by his close friend Edmund Barton.
5. 1903: 1903 Milestone — He served three terms from 1903 to 1904, from 1905 to 1908, and from 1909 to 1910.
6. 1919 (1919-10-07): Passing & Historical Legacy — Alfred Deakin passed away on 1919-10-07, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Alfred Deakin

“I have always believed that the people are the ultimate source of all authority.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Alfred Deakin

True or False: “Alfred Deakin was primarily known for his role as a military strategist during the Boer War.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While involved in national defense, Deakin's primary historical fame stems from his political leadership and his crucial role in achieving Australian Federation.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1856 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1856
• August 3 (08-03) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 3
• 1919 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1919
• October 7 (10-07) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 7

Frequently Asked Questions about Alfred Deakin