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In 1901, the census reported that there were 3296 Buddhists in Australia - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 10 - 2004 - Paper 1
Question 10
In 1901, the census reported that there were 3296 Buddhists in Australia. By 1947 there were 411. What was the main cause of this change? (A) World War II (B) Conver... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In 1901, the census reported that there were 3296 Buddhists in Australia - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 10 - 2004 - Paper 1
Step 1
The White Australia Policy
Answer
The main cause of the significant decrease in the number of Buddhists in Australia from 3296 in 1901 to 411 in 1947 can be attributed mainly to the implementation of the White Australia Policy. This policy restricted non-European immigration and aimed to maintain a white, British population in Australia. As a result, it severely impacted Asian communities, including Buddhists, leading to a decline in their numbers.
Additionally, the socio-political climate during this period favored European immigrants, further marginalizing those of Asian descent. Thus, option (C) effectively highlights the primary reason for this demographic change.