1849 Edmund Barton born in Glebe, Sydney

1857–1859

Attended Fort Street Model School

1859–1864

Attended Sydney Grammar School

1868

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts (Classics) University of Sydney

1870

Receives the degree of Masters of Art from the University of Sydney

1871

Goes to the Bar in Sydney

1879

Wins Sydney University Seat in Legislative Assembly of NSW

1882

Represents East Sydney in the Legislative Assembly

1883

Becomes Speaker of the Legislative Assembly

1887

Resigns as Speaker and is nominated for the Upper House

1891

Delegate for NSW at the Federal Convention in Sydney. Becomes a member of the drafting committees on the Federation Bill. Resigns from the Upper House in June and contests and wins East Sydney in the Lower House. In October he takes over the leadership of the Federal Movement in NSW. Appointed Attorney General in October and retains right to private practice.

1893

In July the Central Federation League is formed in Sydney. In October Barton resigns from the position of Attorney General.

1893

Defeated for the seat of Randwick.

1894-1896

Works tirelessly for the Federation movement.

1897

In March is elected to the Australasian Federation Convention. In April the drafting committee produces a draft Constitution.

1898

Draft Constitution Bill to be put before the British Parliament is rejected by referendum in June. In September Barton wins the by-elections for the seats of Hastings and Macleay and is elected Leader of the Opposition.

1899

Enabling Act for a second referendum on the draft Constitution is passed. On 29 June the draft Constitution Bill succeeds in the referendum.

1900

Barton leads delegates to London where the British Parliament passes the Bill. Barton is commissioned to form the first ministry on 31st of December 1900.

Western Australia votes ‘yes’ in Federation referendum.

1901

The Federal Parliament is officially opened in Melbourne and Edmund Barton is appointed first Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Commonwealth troops sent to the Boer war.

Franchise Act extends the right to vote to women over the age of twenty-one but excludes the Indigenous peoples of Australia.

King Edward VII succeeds the throne after the death of Queen Victoria.

Pacific Island Labourers Act passed.

Immigration Restriction Act passed.

1902

Created Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG)

1903

Resigns office as Prime Minister and is appointed judge to the High Court of Australia.

Judiciary Act passed.

1904

Conciliation and Arbitration Acts passed.

1914

Australia joins Britain in declaring war on Germany.

1918

The armistice is signed ending World War I.

1920

Dies suddenly of heart failure in the Blue Mountains.