Believe it or not, Australia was not always the multicultural society it is today. From the moment the First Fleet entered Sydney Cove in 1778 white supremacy prevailed. This did not however deter hopeful immigrants from non-white countries that wished to make Australia their home. Immigration from both European and non-European helped populate Australia’s vast stretch of land throughout the 17th and 18th century, continuing into the early 19th century. Federation in 1901 established the country as an independent nation. With this new nationhood came new policies for residents in Australia, and those who wished to migrate into the country. This was particularly enforced during the period of 1945 to 1955.