The story of the gold rushes forms one of the major historical narratives of Australian history during the second half of the nineteenth century. Key events of the gold rushes are central in explaining many aspects of Australian history and present day society. These key events include the Eureka Stockade rebellion; the development of responsible government; the mass movement of people to the Australian colonies during the 1850s and 1860s; the emergence of radical dissent; and the rapid economic growth of the country.