1896 Federal Election (United in Federation)

The 1896 Federal Election were held on the 13 November 1896 in all Australian states, thus making it the first to do so. It was called upon by Prime Minister George Reid on 29 March following the death of the extremely popular former prime minister, Henry Parkes.

With all the seats in the House of Representatives and 18 (out of 25) seats in the Senate up for election, George Reid campaigned fiercely using his force of personality to win the election. The incumbent Free Trade Party won the election, defeating its main opposition, the Protectionist party.