CHAPTER 12 AUSTRALIA’S SOCIAL AND CULTURAL HISTORY IN
THE POST-WAR PERIOD
12.6 A nation of good sports
Name:
ACTIVITIES
Check your understanding
1.
In what way did the increased prosperity of the 1950s have an impact on Australian
sport?
2.
Why were the 1956 Olympic Games of such significance to Australia?
3.
How did politics and sport come into conflict in 1956?
4.
List some of the 1956 sporting legends and some of their achievements.
5.
How did Australians feel about the British monarchy during the 1950s? Suggest possible
explanations for Australia’s response to the monarch’s visit.
6.
Why did so many Australians in the 1950s identify Britain as ‘home’?
7.
What influences on Australia were leading to a drift away from Britain?
Using sources
1.
Using sources 12.6.1 and 12.6.3, write the script for a radio commentator describing the
opening ceremony of the 1956 Olympics.
2.
Consider the message of the Olympic hymn and the Olympic Oath as expressed in source
12.6.3. Write the words for a new oath and hymn for competitors in the 1956 Olympic
Games which draw attention to the relationship between sport and politics in the post-war
period.
3.
How is the image of Australia’s ‘Golden Girl’ in source 12.6.4 a contrast to the media
stereotype of the 1950s woman?
4.
Imagine you are one of the people shown in the crowd in source 12.6.5. Write a diary
entry to a friend, describing the day, the Queen’s appearance and how you felt about
being there to see her.
5.
Consider the difference between a royal visit to Australia in 1954 and a visit in the
twenty-first century. Using sources 12.6.5, 12.6.6 and 12.6.7 as your evidence, explain
Retroactive 2 2E Activities
© Maureen Anderson, Anne Low, Jeffrey Conroy, Ian Keese 2005
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RETROACTIVE 2 2E
how Australia’s relationship with Britain and the monarchy has changed over the last 50
years.
Researching and communicating
1.
Research the achievements of a famous Australian sporting personality from the 1950s
and put your findings together to create a class database. To use an online dictionary of
famous Australians, go to www.jaconline.com.au/retroactive/retroactive2 and click on the
Famous Australians weblink.
2.
During the 1950s, every church and school had a tennis club. From 1950 Australia won
the Davis Cup 15 times in 18 years. Research the place of sport and sporting
achievements in Australia during the 1950s. Consider the role of sport in developing a
sense of national identity and then present a poster, song, speech or PowerPoint display
on the topic ‘Australia: a nation of good sports’.
3.
Imagine it is 1954 and you have just witnessed the arrival of the Queen at the Lord
Mayor’s Ball. You feel that Australians do not understand how their world is changing.
Write a letter to the editor explaining the direction in which Australia is headed, and the
cultural influences you believe will shape our nation.
4.
Design an advertisement, aimed at a 1954 audience, to promote the Woman’s Weekly
coverage of the Royal Tour.
5.
Draw a timeline of events for the year 1956. Divide your timeline up into five columns
headed ‘Australia’, ‘Africa’, ‘Americas’, ‘Asia’ and ‘Europe’. Find out what events took
place around the world in this year and summarise them on your timeline.
6.
Debate the topic ‘that sport is more powerful than politics’.
7.
The 1950s decade was an era of both conservatism and change. Design your own collage
of images from popular film and television, sport and royal tours. Try to express the spirit
of the times.
Worksheets
12.4
12.5
On assignment with the Queen
Crossword of the 1950s
Notes:
Retroactive 2 2E Activities
© Maureen Anderson, Anne Low, Jeffrey Conroy, Ian Keese 2005
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