Australia had a Wild West period, which led to the story of the infamous “Bushranger”. Similar to the American cowboy or bandit, a Bushranger was a robber who operated in the Australian bush. They would steal from travelers, rob banks, steal cattle or horses, and often resort to violence, resulting in many being hunted by the police or vigilantes. One of the most famous bushrangers was Ned Kelly who became a folk hero. Though their actions were often violent and caused harm to innocent people, their story remains an important part of Australian history that has endured as a symbol of rebellion against oppressive authority.
Legend of the Wild West: The Story of the Bushranger
The Wild West was an era in American history that has always held a fascination for people. However, it was not just the United States that saw a Wild West period. Australia also experienced a similar time, which has been immortalized in stories of the Bushranger. In this article, we’ll explore the legend of the Wild West and the story of the Bushranger.
What is a Bushranger?
A Bushranger can be described as an outlaw who lived in the Australian bush, similar to the American cowboy or bandit. A Bushranger was a person who would rob travelers or banks, steal cattle or horses, and destroy anything that stood in their way. They were notorious for being violent and were often hunted by police or vigilante groups.
The story of the Bushranger
The story of the Bushranger begins in the 19th century when the gold rush was booming in Australia. Many people flocked to the country in search of riches, and this led to a rise in crime. The government responded by increasing police presence and enacting harsher laws.
However, this did not stop the Bushrangers. In fact, it only made them more determined. They began targeting remote areas where the police were less likely to be present. They would ambush travelers or attack isolated homesteads.
Among the most famous Bushrangers was Ned Kelly. Born in 1855, he grew up in a poor family in Victoria. He became involved with the law when he was just a teenager and was arrested for stealing horses. He was sent to prison, where he learned more about the criminal underworld.
After his release, Kelly formed a gang, and they began robbing banks and stagecoaches. They would also steal cattle and sell them on the black market. Kelly became a folk hero, as he was seen as someone who stood up against oppressive authorities.
However, Kelly’s life of crime came to an end after a shootout with police, which became known as the Siege of Glenrowan. Kelly was captured and was sentenced to hang.
The legacy of the Bushranger
The legend of the Bushranger has lived on long after their time. They have been the subject of movies, books, and songs. They have become folk heroes, standing up against the oppression of authority and fighting for their own way of life.
However, this romanticized version of the Bushrangers has been criticized as misguided, as their actions were often violent and caused harm to innocent people. Nevertheless, their story remains an important part of Australian history.
FAQs
Q: Were all Bushrangers violent?
A: Not all Bushrangers were violent, but many of them resorted to violence in order to achieve their objectives.
Q: How were Bushrangers punished?
A: Bushrangers who were caught were often sentenced to jail or executed. Some were given a pardon if they agreed to help the authorities catch other Bushrangers.
Q: Who were some other famous Bushrangers besides Ned Kelly?
A: Other famous Bushrangers include Ben Hall, Frank Gardiner, and Captain Thunderbolt.
Q: Did the government eventually stop the Bushrangers?
A: Yes, the government increased police presence and enacted harsher laws, making it more difficult for the Bushrangers to continue their illegal activities.
Q: Why do you think the legend of the Bushranger has endured?
A: The legend of the Bushranger has endured because it represents a time of rebellion against oppressive authority, and people enjoy rooting for the underdog. Additionally, the romanticized version of the Bushrangers has been perpetuated in popular culture.
