Summary
Souvenir badge created to commemorate the United States naval fleet visit to Australia in 1908.
Huge celebrations surrounded the visit of the United States Navy to Australia in 1908. Prime Minister Alfred Deakin ignored Britain's concerns and established protocol when he invited the American fleet to visit. Sixteen warships arrived in Sydney harbour, welcomed by 80,000 spectators. Speeches were delivered, parties thrown and parades marched in honour of the occasion. As the fleet moved from port to port the welcome remained wildly enthusiastic. The visit was publicly associated with Australia's self-perception as a strong 'white' nation. The Lone Hand described the occasion: 'As a friendly hand across the Pacific comes to Australia - the Great White Fleet. In a flashing white it comes, as it were a symbol of a racial ideal to be upheld. Australia aspires but to hold her territory free and clean, in trust for the White Race. America's Pacific fleet helps to give us heart to hope that that ideal may be preserved.' The visit of the Great White Fleet was a significant because it linked Australia firmly with American power in the Pacific.
Physical Description
Metal badge, enameled with suspension loop.One side features the Union Jack and Stars & Stripes flags, the other an image of Australia.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase
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Issued By
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Inscriptions
Cast, obverse: VISIT OF AMERICAN FLEET SOUVENIR Cast, reverse: COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA 1908
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
24 mm (Width), 33 mm (Height)
Height includes ring through loop extended fully
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Keywords
Great White Fleet, Naval Vessels, International Relations, United States Fleet Visit to Melbourne, 1908, United States Navy