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Medal - Visit of the US Fleet, Australia, 1908 Reg. No: NU 35277

Summary:: Australia
Visit of the US Fleet 1908 (AD)
Mint: not recorded
Other Details: 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 delievered, 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.
Acquisition Information:: Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 1976

Tagged with:	great white fleet, international relations, united states fleet visit to melbourne 1908, united states navy, white australia policy
Themes this item is part of:	Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	MEDALS
Secondary Classification:	Commemorative
Tertiary Classification:	military history
Series:	Australian Commemorative Medals
DateEra:	1908 AD
Obverse Description:	Within branches of olive and oak, crossed flags of Australia and the USA above, IN COMMEMORATION and an American eagle; below 1908 and lion reclining right; between the flags and above the lion, a fleet of nine warships at anchor
Reverse Description:	AUSTRALIA / WELCOMES / AMERICA
Edge Description:	plain
Material:	Aluminium
Issued By:	Australia
References:	Car. 1908/3