Melbourne

The discovery of gold in Victoria in 1851, near Melbourne, sparked the Victorian Gold Rush, attracting thousands of international prospectors to the area. The subsequent influx of immigrants led to a booming economy and rapid urban development. This marked a significant period in Melbourne's history, as it transformed from a colonial outpost into a major global city, making Melbourne one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world at the time.

On January 1, 1901, the Federation of Australia was proclaimed in a grand ceremony in Centennial Park, Sydney, marking the unification of the six separate colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia. Though the event itself took place in Sydney, Melbourne was selected as the temporary capital city and hosted the first seat of the Australian federal government until the establishment of Canberra in 1927. This period was crucial in shaping Melbourne's significance as a political and cultural center.

In 1934, Melbourne celebrated its centenary marking 100 years since the city's founding in 1834. The celebrations included various events, historical pageants, and reflections on the growth and development of Melbourne as a leading city in Australia. The centenary highlighted Melbourne's progress from a fledgling settlement to a bustling metropolis. It was a significant moment that celebrated the city's rich history and cultural evolution.

Melbourne hosted the 1956 Summer Olympics, the first time the Olympics were held in the Southern Hemisphere. The event was notable for significant political tensions, including the Suez Crisis and the Hungarian Revolution. The Olympics helped put Melbourne on the global map as an international city. It featured famous athletes such as Betty Cuthbert and created lasting sports infrastructure and a legacy for the city. The games were also the first to be televised in Australia.

Federation Square in Melbourne, commonly known as Fed Square, officially opened in 1988 even though it wasn't fully completed until 2002. Situated at the heart of Melbourne, it became a vibrant cultural precinct and gathering place, showcasing modern architecture and hosting numerous public events. Its opening was a topic of architecture and urban development discussions. Today, it is one of Melbourne's key attractions, representing a blend of the traditional and contemporary cityscape.