During what period did the Australian government remove Aboriginal children in attempts to assimilate them?

The correct answer is the period between 1900 and 1972, which encompasses a significant and tragic chapter in Australian history known as the Stolen Generations. During this time, government policies aimed at assimilating Aboriginal children into white Australian society led to the forced removal of thousands of Aboriginal children from their families. The rationale behind these policies was based on the belief that Aboriginal culture was inferior, and that Aboriginal children would have better lives if raised by non-Indigenous families.

This era saw the implementation of various legal frameworks, including the Aborigines Protection Act 1909, which allowed authorities to remove children without parental consent. The effects of these policies have had lasting impacts on Aboriginal communities and have contributed to ongoing social and cultural issues. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the broader impacts of colonialism in Australia and the recognition of past injustices faced by Aboriginal peoples.

The other time frames provided do not fully encompass the policy's duration, making this choice the most accurate reflection of the period in which these assimilation attempts were actively pursued.