Explain Ned vs Aus in 500 words
The Ned vs Aus conflict refers to the historical events that took place between the notorious Australian outlaw, Ned Kelly, and the authorities in Australia during the late 19th century. This conflict is significant in Australian history as it represents a clash between the working-class bushranger and the colonial establishment, highlighting the social and political tensions of the time.
Ned Kelly was born in 1854 in Victoria, Australia, to an Irish convict family. Growing up in a poor and marginalized community, he witnessed the injustices faced by the Irish immigrant population and developed a deep resentment towards the colonial authorities. Alongside his brothers, Ned formed a gang and engaged in various criminal activities, including horse theft and armed robberies.
The tension between Ned Kelly and the authorities escalated in 1878 when a police officer named Fitzpatrick accused Ned's mother, Ellen, of assaulting him. This incident led to a series of events that culminated in the infamous Stringybark Creek police killings. Ned and his gang were declared outlaws, and a hefty reward was placed on their heads.
The subsequent years saw Ned Kelly and his gang engage in a series of audacious acts, including the infamous raid on the town of Euroa and the siege at Glenrowan. These events captured the imagination of the public, with Ned Kelly becoming a folk hero and symbol of resistance against the oppressive colonial rule.
However, the conflict between Ned Kelly and the authorities was not just a tale of a rebellious outlaw. It reflected the social and political tensions of the time. The Irish immigrant population, which Ned belonged to, faced discrimination and marginalization in colonial Australia. Ned's actions were seen by many as a response to this oppression, and he became a symbol of defiance against the ruling class.
The Ned vs Aus conflict also highlighted the inadequacies of the colonial justice system. Many believed that Ned and his gang were victims of a biased legal system that favored the wealthy and powerful. This perception was reinforced when Ned Kelly famously donned a homemade suit of armor during the Glenrowan siege, symbolizing his defiance against the authorities.
Ultimately, the Ned vs Aus conflict came to a dramatic end in 1880 when Ned was captured after a fierce shootout at Glenrowan. He was subsequently tried and sentenced to death by hanging. However, even in death, Ned Kelly's legacy lived on. His final words, "Such is life," became a rallying cry for those who felt oppressed by the colonial establishment.
In conclusion, the Ned vs Aus conflict was a significant chapter in Australian history. It represented the clash between a working-class outlaw and the colonial authorities, highlighting the social and political tensions of the time. Ned Kelly's actions and subsequent capture and execution made him a folk hero and symbol of resistance against oppression. The conflict also shed light on the injustices faced by the Irish immigrant population and the inadequacies of the colonial justice system. Today, Ned Kelly remains an iconic figure in Australian folklore, embodying the spirit of rebellion and defiance against authority.