2019 Australia Mutiny & Rebellion - The Rum Rebellion $1 Coin

In January 1808, the New South Wales Corps left their barracks and marched to Government House to overthrow the Governor.

Governor William Bligh, who had already survived a notorious mutiny, was an ill-tempered and determined man. He had arrived in New South Wales to find the colony struggling, while the elite members of the New South Wales Corps had seized land and resources for themselves, trading in rum, among other goods.

Bligh attempted to break the 'Rum Corps' stranglehold on the colony's economy, clashing with the ambitious and equally ill-tempered John Macarthur. The conflict between Bligh and Macarthur eventually led to the events of 1808: the only time in Australia's history that a military coup has overthrown the government.

Ironically, the Rum Rebellion led to the collapse of the military's power and introduction of the rule of law in Australia.

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