why was australia used as a settlement by the british

Full Answer

Why was Australia settled by Britain?

Outpost of Empire: Why was Australia settled by Britain? Traditionally, the European settlement of Australia has been attributed to Britain’s need for a “dumping ground” for their criminals. In a time of poverty and overcrowding in London, petty crimes such as theft could lead to jail terms, or in some cases, the death penalty.

How did the colonisation of Australia affect First Nations?

The colonisation of this land we now call Australia had a devastating impact on First Nations people, who have lived on this continent for thousands of years. Prior to British settlement, more than 500 First Nations groups inhabited the continent we now call Australia, approximately 750,000 people in total. [1]

Why did the British colonize Australia with penal colonies?

The British established Australia’s oldest city in the late 18th century as a penal colony to house its surplus of petty criminals — a murky past that continues to leave its mark on the country today. Why did Britain have so many crooks?

What year did Australia become a colony?

On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip guides a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts to the colony of New South Wales, effectively founding Australia.

Why was Australia settled by the British?

Australia, once known as New South Wales, was originally planned as a penal colony. In October 1786, the British government appointed Arthur Phillip captain of the HMS Sirius, and commissioned him to establish an agricultural work camp there for British convicts.

When did the British settle in Australia?

The First Fleet of British ships arrived at Botany Bay in January 1788 to establish a penal colony, the first colony on the Australian mainland. In the century that followed, the British established other colonies on the continent, and European explorers ventured into its interior.

Where did the British settle in Australia?

SydneyThe first settlement, at Sydney, consisted of about 850 convicts and their Marine guards and officers, led by Governor Arthur Phillip. They arrived at Botany Bay in the "First Fleet" of 9 transport ships accompanied by 2 small warships, in January, 1788.

What was Australia originally called?

New HollandAfter Dutch navigators charted the northern, western and southern coasts of Australia during the 17th Century this newly found continent became known as 'New Holland'. It was the English explorer Matthew Flinders who made the suggestion of the name we use today.

Who lived in Australia before the British?

aboriginesHISTORICAL BACKGROUND Australian Prehistory: Humans are thought to have arrived in Australia about 30,000 years ago. The original inhabitants, who have descendants to this day, are known as aborigines. In the eighteenth century, the aboriginal population was about 300,000.

Who lived in Australia first?

Aboriginal people are known to have occupied mainland Australia for at least 65,000 years. It is widely accepted that this predates the human settlement of Europe and the Americas.

Why was Australia not a colony?

Plus, neither did it boast the soil or climate to produce the natural commodities which Europe demanded. At the end of Cook’s second voyage in 1775 it was therefore apparent that it was not fit to serve as any type of colony. Australia had once again been shunned.

Why was the North Atlantic coast more suitable for settlement?

Similarly, European migrants were willing to make the sea journey across the North Atlantic because the voyage was not unduly dangerous or long, nor was it seriously menaced by scurvy or fever.

How long ago was the Aboriginal culture?

Tracing Aboriginal history via an outback small group tour for mature and senior couples or solo travellers provides an intriguing learning platform about Australia, rock art, trading and culture that traces a history possibly some 120,000 years ago .

What was the impact of the events on the western side of the Atlantic?

It is widely argued that it was the events on the western side of the Atlantic that would alter the English perception of the need for an Australian colony. In 1795, as Cook sailed home up the English Channel, George Washington was leading the colonist’s army in the siege of the English held city of Boston. The colonists’ ultimate victory and the creation of the United States of America would have a huge impact.

Why was Australia chosen as the new location for its overseas prison?

The usual explanation is that with the American colonies revolting in 1776, Britain had been deprived of its outlet for the criminals that were overfilling its goals, and so Australia was chosen as the new location for its overseas prison. However, this explanation may be overly simplistic. Instead, one must look at the pressures on Britain to maintain its commercial empire and militaristic strength to fully understand decisions for settlement.

Where is the Outback South Australia?

Outback South Australia, near Roxby Downs and Olympic Dam mine. The dry arid lands, with lots of red earth and sand-hills, was not appealing to the commercial interests of 17th century Europeans.

Where did the British ship go in the 1780s?

Around the same route and into halfway ports in Australia could come English ships bound for the Pacific coast of north-west America where commerce in sea otter skins was booming in the 1780s. And Botany Bay could also become a base for whaling ships that had begun venturing into the Indian and South Pacific oceans. Finally, it could be a base from which British ships quietly emerged to dabble in smuggling and privateering in the rich Spanish trade that linked the Philippines, Mexico and South America.

Why did the British settle in Australia?

The other factors for this settlement were developing the British ship industry, the excellence of the climate and the geographical advantages of the continent’s position. On the other hand, convicts were transported to Australia, because labour was necessary in flourishing trade so dumping of criminals could be a reason as labour were necessary in this settlement. The Committee are of opinion, that should His majesty think fit to establish a new settlement for enlarging the commerce of His subjects, the labour of these convicts may be employed to the most useful purposes-That there are commonly both husbandmen and artificers among them, as well as men of talents and education. [13]

What was the result of the British policy to settle in Botany Bay and control the trade?

As a result of the British policy to settle in Botany Bay and control the trade. Imports and exports of the British Empire were in rise. Between 1780 and 1789 imports were £13.8 million. This doubled in two decades, 1800-1809, to £28.7 million; exports between 1780- 89 was £10.2 million and this increased to £25.4 million, more than doubled, during the same period, 1800-1809 [56].

Where did Lord Dorchester send the convicts to settle?

Additionally, according to a news of the Times, the plan, which Lord Dorchester has sent home from Quebec for establishing two new settlements in Canada, near the Lakes of Brigon and Carleton, where it has been recommended to settle a colony of convicts advantageously to this country, comes very opportunely to relieve the prison-ships in our different harbours, and also the prisons of the metropolis and the country goals, which are still excessively crowded with convicts, both men and women, occasioned by the want of intelligence from Botany Bay with regard to the success of that undertaking [23]. The Quebec plan seems far more eligible than any other which has been proposed for temporary relief, and is not likely to be attended with the melancholy consequences which followed the transportation of the Irish convicts [24]. During the year of 1788 the Government were more concerned about Canada for a settlement and more news appeared in the press. Saturday two large ships were contracted for by Government, which are ordered to be got ready as soon as possible to carry over the convicts to America [25]. The Government was serious in sending the criminals to North America and in December 1788 so a further step was taken [26]. Once criminals’ sentences was changed to go to Canada instead of their former sentences to New South Wales [27].

Why was Botany Bay important?

Secondly, Botany Bay offered a shelter from all winds and a strategic advantage in any war. “In case of a war with Spain this kingdom will find great advantage from a settlement at Botany Bay; for the cruisers will greatly interrupt, if not totally destroy their lucrative commerce from the Philippine Islands to Aquapulco, besides annoying their settlements on the coast of South America” [34]. Also the British might occupy the area without violating either the dictates of humanity or the decorum of European politics [35]. Sir George Young, who first suggested Madagascar this time, recommended New South Wales as well.

What were the conditions in the colonies after the war?

American colonies were no longer available after the war for British criminals whose crimes were punishable by transportation according to the British penal system. Also crime was on the increase and the prisons and hulks were full. Conditions in the prisons were terrible. Sir Charles Bunbury warned in the House of Commons on 9 February 1791, saying; upon an average of the last ten, criminals convicted of capital offences and sentenced to death had been double in number, compared to those convicted within the period of the preceding twenty years… [14]. This alarmed the government to find an alternative solution. The Recorder of London had a long conference with Lord Sidney on the subject of the present situation of the prisons of the metropolis, and the number of convicts that are increasing to an alarming degree, owing to the delay of sending abroad those under sentence of transportation [15].

Why was Madagascar not considered a colony?

And Madagascar was not considered, because of the objection of the Dutch. Unguarded transportation to inhabited colonies such as Nova Scotia, Newfoundland or Honduras [20] was impossible for the same reason, just as settlement on the African Caffre Coast would offend the Dutch [21].

Why was China important to Britain?

Trade with China was certainly important to Britain. It was the source of tea, which had become an item of mass consumption, rivalling sugar as the most valuable import [43]. Tea thus could be introduced and cultivated in India. The other chief articles were being imported from China were silk, cotton, silk goods and earthenware. It could be argued that the British changed its policy after the loss of America in the 18th century. It could be but, on the other hand, the East Asia was becoming more and more important because of extreme importance of trade. It was not merely Britain turned its face to the East also French, Dutch and Russians were already trading with China [44]. The most important thing was beginning of the American danger in this trade. Another competitor but could possibly be more active than others. This could not be risked. Later the competition with the USA would cause crisis in Britain [45].

Why did Australia join WW1?

Why Did Australia become involved in WW1? Australia became involved in World War One in August ‘1914', as Britain was preparing to declare war on Germany. At the time Andrew Fisher (future Australian prime minister) promised that Australia would stand behind their mother country. He believed this war to be a noble cause where Australians could demonstrate their loyalty. As Australia is still part of the British Empire, our loyalty was pressured into joining the war and fighting for what they….

How did World War 2 affect Australia?

World War Two did not change the way Australians lived completely, but it caused significant changes in many aspects of life , such as women’s independence, Australia’s multiculturalism and Australia’s foreign affairs. Women were able to go out into the workforce, Australia’s population increased greatly with a lot of ethnically diverse families formed and relationships with countries such as the United States were created. During World War Two, husbands, fathers, sons and brothers were called upon….

Why did Australia start a Federation?

Federation took place because of the need to be more organised, to improve the defence of Australia, better transportation, stronger communication, to unify the economy and to strengthen the pride of being Australian. The idea of six colonies uniting as one had an apeal to people which lead to motivating the spirit of Australia and being as one….

Why was Australia chosen as the main port of entry for the convicts?

Australia was chosen because it was surrounded by water and it would be hard for the convicts to escape . There are nearby islands which could be useful for them .They also wanted to open the Pacific area as a trading base and to start a Defence post or a naval base.

Why did the English decide to create a new penal colony on the land discovered by Captain James Cook?

So they started to commit more crimes, which overcrowded the goals and hulks. After the American Revolution, the English couldn't send more convicts over to America. They didn't want to send the convicts over to Africa because of all the diseases and it was to hot. So they decided to create a new penal colony on the land discovered by Captain James Cook.

Why did Australia adopt the ETA system?

Why did Australia adopt the ETA system? The Immigration government of Australia designed the ETA system in the ’90s upon the pressure to make international travel easier. Adopting the system allowed the country to maintain its universal visa system and at the same time making it easier for foreign citizens to enter the country. Over the years, further studies proved that the ETA system is innovative and cost-efficient as it made visa issuance more effectual. It has become a crucial method to collect….

Why did the colonists rebel against the British?

The reasons why the colonists rebelled against the British in 1776 were many. Unfair taxation, violations of human rights, changes in the British military policies, and a long legacy of both religious and political ideas prompted the colonists to break away from British rule and declare their own independence . Taxation was clearly one of the major factors that led to the colonists' rebellion. In 1763, George Grenville became the prime minister of England. While in office, he noticed that England….

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Traditionally, the European settlement of Australia has been attributed to Britain’s need for a “dumping ground” for their criminals. In a time of poverty and overcrowding in London, petty crimes such as theft could lead to jail terms, or in some cases, the death penalty.

Outpost of Empire: Why was Australia settled by Britain?

Traditionally, the European settlement of Australia has been attributed to Britain’s need for a “dumping ground” for their criminals. In a time of poverty and overcrowding in London, petty crimes such as theft could lead to jail terms, or in some cases, the death penalty.

Why did the British choose Australia?

The British first sent prisoners to America, but as the War of Independence reached its conclusion in 1782, the old colonial power was left with nowhere to discard their crooks … until they saw a solution Down Under.

How did emancipated convicts contribute to the nascent British colonies in Australia?

Emancipated convicts were burdened by a heavy social stigma, but contributed significantly to the nascent British colonies in Australia. Opposition to transportation grew with increasing numbers of free settlers in the 1830s, but it took until 1868 for the last convict ship to pull into Western Australia. By then, Australia’s population had reached one million, and could sustain itself without relying on convict labour.

How did the Australians change their perception of convicts?

Throughout the 20th century, historians helped change the perception of convicts both by highlighting the injustice of transportation — an excessive punishment for trivial crimes committed by desperate, impoverished people — and by telling the stories of iconic convicts such as seminal Australian novelist Henry Savery and architect Francis Greenway.

Why was Australia the oldest city in the world?

The British established Australia’s oldest city in the late 18th century as a penal colony to house its surplus of petty criminals — a murky past that continues to leave its mark on the country today.

When did convicts arrive in Australia?

The first Australian convicts arrived on the First Fleet in 1788, part of the 1,500-strong colonisation party that included military and civilians. Admiral Arthur Phillip founded the penal colony of New South Wales on January 26, 1788 — still the controversial date of Australia’s national day — and set convicts to work according to their skills, planting the seeds of the first European settlement to colonise the Australian continent.

Who was the first to imagine Sydney and NSW as something more than a penal colony?

Governor Lachlan Macquarie was the first to imagine Sydney and NSW as something more than a penal colony in the early 19th century, encouraging reformed convicts to participate in society and shape the free settlement that has flourished over the subsequent two centuries.

How many convicts were sent to Australia?

More than 160,000 convicts — 80% men, 20% women — were transported to Australia from the British Isles between 1788 and 1868. The British sent criminals to NSW, Queensland, Tasmania and WA, but freed convicts soon spread their footprint across the country, and these days, one in five Australians is the descendant of a convict.

Overview

Colonisation

European exploration

Aboriginal resistance and accommodation

Politics and government

Economy and trade

Religion, education, and culture

Representations in literature and film