The First Fleet of British ships arrived at Botany Bay Botany Bay, an open oceanic embayment, is located in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 13 km south of the Sydney central business district. Its source is the confluence of the Georges River at Taren Point and the Cooks River at Kyeemagh, which flows 10 km to the east before meeting it…Botany Bay
Why did the British use Australia as a prison colony?
Was Australia Really Founded as a Penal Colony?
- Reasons for transportation. During the eighteenth century, the industrial revolution saw a surge in cimes in the United Kingdom.
- Penal settlements. Prisoners were sent to the United States, but after 1782, there was nowhere to send criminals. ...
- Cessation of transportation. ...
Why did the British establish a colony in Australia?
One of the reasons why Britain decided to establish a colony in Australia in 1788 was the rebellion of its colonies in America – Britain needed somewhere else to send its prisoners. Australia’s experience as a colony of Britain was very different from that of the United States.
Is Australia still a British colony?
The final constitutional ties between the United Kingdom and Australia ended in 1986 with the passing of the Australia Act 1986. Due to Australia’s history as a colony of Britain, the two nations retain significant shared threads of cultural heritage, many of which are common to all English-speaking countries.
Why did Britain want Australia in its empire?
The second reason why Britain wanted an empire is Economical. Wool and gold were successfully exported from Australia. This tells us that during the British Empire trade was very successful which would have resulted in more power from trade and connections around the globe. This would have contributed to why Britain ruled over ¼ of the globe.
Why did Britain colonize Australia?
While Britain had several reasons for colonization in Australia, the most important one was finding a settlement for the convicts. Around 1777, a lot of reformers and humanitarians started campaigning against the appalling conditions of the prisons in Britain. John Howard, a prison reformer, wrote 'The State of Prisons in England and Wales' and it exposed the failing condition of the British prison system.
When was Australia colonized?
Captain James Cook, after a Pacific voyage of more than 2,000 miles, reached the east coast of Australia in 1770 . He named the place Botany Bay and claimed its possession for the British Crown. When Captain Cook returned to Britain, his reports then inspired the British authorities to colonize this recently claimed territory.
What was James Matra's proposal to establish a colony in Australia?
In his proposal, James Matra suggested that the American Loyalists, South Sea Islanders, Chinese and prisoners should establish a colony in Australia. After an interview with Lord Sydney in 1784, Matra amended the proposal and also added prisoners as settlers for this new colony. Sending prisoners to this new colony was an important economic reason for British colonization of Australia. With the deteriorating condition of Britain prisons, it was decided that the new colony in Australia would be used for convict settlement.
Why did the British want to expand their empire?
With this new colony, the British Empire wanted to reduce the overcrowding of prisoners in their prisons, expand their empire, establish a base in South, and assert a claim to a territory against colonial powers. However, the British Government only got serious about Australia's colonization in 1788 when American colonies stopped taking their prisoners.
What was the purpose of the new colony in Australia?
With the deteriorating condition of Britain prisons, it was decided that the new colony in Australia would be used for convict settlement. Then in 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip, along with a fleet of 11 ships, 736 prisoners, crew, civilians and marines reached the Sydney Cove to begin Australia's colonization.
What natural resources did the British have in Australia?
Several years after British colonization of Australia, the territory started revealing a host of natural resources which included sapphires, opal, gold, iron, and coal. The early colonies then became far more useful than just a place to dump the prisoners.
Why did the British government use the colonies?
Apart from the settlers who voluntarily traveled to America, governments also used the colonies for keeping the prisoners. When the American Revolution started in 1776 and America stopped taking English prisoners, the British government started looking for a new place for its prisoners. Britain had several reasons for colonization in Australia. ...
Why did the British settle in Australia?
The motivation that provoked the British to settle in Australia was to expand their empire. Historian’s opinions on why New South Wales was colonised in 1788 has changed over time due to the evidence that has been found. Historians originally thought that Australia was colonized as a ’dumping’ ground for convicts and place for them to be transported to, although through further evidence and changing views with historians, it gives us the different perspective that Australia was colonised for the expansion of the British Empire. This essay will argue that Australia was colonised to expand the Empire of the British people. Botany Bay provided good resources for them to use such as Flax and Timber used for making cloths and building ships. Botany
Why did Australia get involved in the Vietnam War?
Australia got involved in Vietnam in an attempt to stop the spread of communism in South Vietnam and protect is position in the Asian Pacific; this is a key event in Australia’s history as it changed the course of Australia’s allegiances and almost lead to warfare on Australian soil. Though relating cause and effect by using numerous historical sources I will assess the key reasons why Australia got involved in the Vietnam War. Robert Menzies parliament address in 1965, an article from The Conversation describing the events 50 years later as well as multiple extracts from “Contested Spaces” by Thomas Cantwell and key extracts from the History textbook all illustrate the main reasons why Australia was keen to get involved in the war in South
How Did Spain Colonize America?
Spain Spain wanted to colonize America so they could build their empire, create additional trading ports and routes, to expand their military control, and to convert the native people to their religious beliefs. Spain explored america to look for gold. Spain also wanted adventure. Since Spain followed the mercantilism economic method, it damaged local industry, restricted trade, prohibited manufacturing and slowed down town growth in order to create economic environment. This is why Spain was had a huge advantage.
What was the Middle Colonies' unique and diverse economy?
The middle colonies had a wide range of terrains from coastal beaches to soaring mountains that lied inland. The wide range allowed the middle colonies to have a unique and diverse economy. For instance its costal shore was optimal for harbors and docks. Also due to its location between the southern and New England colonies it made it a prime spot for reaching all 13 colonies. Its rich soil allowed farmers to plant a variety of crops.
Why did the South thrive?
However, the South's climate is also warm and sunny with long summers and mild winters; there is also a plentiful of rain. This makes the South's climate ideal for agricultural production and harvesting materials needed for houseware such as cotton. Additionally, the South thrived from their example fertile soil due to their enhanced ability to grow crops.
What is the history of Indonesia?
Indonesia is a unique and diverse country in Southeast Asia and has a truly remarkable history , in which former Dutch imperialism stands out among other significant events . Imperialism is the practice of extending rule and power to regions outside of the country which holds it by creating colonies. In 1602, the Netherlands founded the East India Trading Company, abbreviated VOC for Dutch “Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie”, to trade spices in Southeast Asia, mainly Indonesia. (van Dam 1) As they moved further and further into the islands of Indonesia, the Dutch decided to set up a government in the region for easier control of trading and to hinder rebellions of the indigenous tribes. Then, after the VOC was dissolved in 1799, they simply kept
How did the French and Indian War affect the colonies?
The French and Indian War can be argued to have the most effect on altering the relations between Britain and the Colonies. The relationship between these two power houses began very subtle, as England followed through with a policy of salutary neglect toward the Colonies. The consequence of the war caused the Political and the Economic state of Britain to changed dramatically, causing them to act differently towards the Colonies. This made the Ideologies of the colonies change greatly. Becoming a winner of a mass of land was great to reward to Britain, but this caused them to change the way that they were going to govern, especially in North America.
How did the early years of colonial Australia affect the people?
They were not familiar with the land, climate, plants, or animals. They also angered the local people by destroying their traditional lands. At first, settlers had trouble finding land that was good for growing crops. Starvation was a major concern for them. However, life did improve in the early 1800s as a result of successful farming practices and sheep and cattle grazing.
When did the first colony of Australia begin?
Later, colonies were established by free settlers. Colonization in Australia began with the First Fleet in 1788 . Settlement took place around the Sydney area for the first few years. More convict settlements were founded in Tasmania beginning in 1803.
What were the first settlers of Australia?
Most settlers in the early colonial years of Australia were convicts. However, there were a small number of people who chose to leave their homes and start a new life in the colony. These people were called free settlers. Free settlers were usually seafaring men who remained in Australia at the end of their contracts. The few who did make the long and difficult journey to Australia were given free land by the British government. They also received free farming tools and convict labor. The government hoped to attract free settlers who could succeed in living and working off the land.
Why were convicts sent to Australia?
Convicts were sent to Australia to work as a form of punishment. The work depended on the crimes the convicts had committed. The most severe criminals were sent to prisons or penal stations. The rest worked as servants for free settlers.
How did the Europeans affect the environment?
The Europeans also introduced foreign animal and plant species. The environment suffered even more after gold was discovered. From 1851 to 1860 more than 600,000 people immigrated to Australia to mine for gold and other minerals. This caused many problems for the environment.
How did European colonization affect Aboriginal people?
European colonization also had a negative impact on the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Indigenous peoples were affected in several different ways. Europeans took over the land that the Indigenous peoples had lived on for thousands of years. The Indigenous peoples had to move somewhere else and often had no access to good water or food. They had to change their style of life to adapt to the new land. Some Aboriginal people tried to fight the Europeans, but many died as a result. Other Indigenous people died from diseases that were introduced by the Europeans.
How did the arrival of Europeans change the Australian environment?
As soon as they landed, colonists began clearing land so they could grow food to feed themselves. They approached the environment as if it was the same environment they left behind in Europe. They did not take care to protect the native plants and animals. As a result, many animal and plant species became threatened or even went extinct as a result of the damage done to their ecosystems. The Europeans also introduced foreign animal and plant species.
What was Australia originally known as?
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 Australia become a national holiday?
In 1818, January 26 became an official holiday, marking the 30th anniversary of British settlement in Australia. As Australia became a sovereign nation, it became the national holiday known as Australia Day.
What did Phillip say before leaving England?
As Phillip said before leaving England: “In a new country there will be no slavery and hence no slaves.”. Though Phillip returned to England in 1792, the colony became prosperous by the turn of the 19th century. Feeling a new sense of patriotism, the men began to rally around January 26 as their founding day.
What was the first day of Australia?
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. After overcoming a period of hardship, the fledgling colony began to celebrate the anniversary of this date with great fanfare and it eventually became commemorated as Australia Day. In recent times, Australia Day has become increasingly controversial as it marks the start of when the continent's Indigenous people were gradually dispossessed of their land as white colonization spread across the continent.
Why is Australia Day so controversial?
In recent times, Australia Day has become increasingly controversial as it marks the start of when the continent's Indigenous people were gradually dispossessed of their land as white colonization spread across the continent. Australia, once known as New South Wales, was originally planned as a penal colony.
Who was the first European explorer to reach Brazil?
First European explorer reaches Brazil. Spanish explorer Vicente Yanez Pinzon, who had commanded the Nina during Christopher Columbus’ first expedition to the New World, reaches the northeastern coast of Brazil during a voyage under his command.
Who captured Barcelona?
Franco captures Barcelona. During the Spanish Civil War, Barcelona, the Republican capital of Spain, falls to the Nationalist forces of General Francisco Franco. In 1931, King Alfonso XIII approved elections to decide the government of Spain, and voters overwhelmingly chose to abolish the monarchy in favor ...read more.
What was the history of Australia similar to?
The colonization in the history of Australia was very similar to the colonization of the Americas. In addition to settlers who traveled to America voluntarily, governments used the colonies as prisons.
What did the English do to the people of the Aboriginal people?
The English forced many of those who weren't killed into slavery. Women and children did everything from gathering food to cleaning. Many women were also kept as sex slaves. When the English arrived in 1788, the Aboriginal population was in the hundreds of thousands and possibly into the millions.
What is the earliest photograph taken in Australia?
English settlers surrounded by a group of Aboriginal Australians. This is believed to be the earliest photograph taken in Australia. The Aboriginal Australians have already adopted the English style of dress. The colonization in the history of Australia was very similar to the colonization of the Americas. In addition to settlers who traveled ...
How many languages did the Aboriginal people speak?
They could no longer tell their stories and traditions, and in some cases, there was no one to hear them. History was lost. At the time of colonization, Aboriginal people spoke an estimated 250-300 different languages [source: Suter ]. More than half of these have disappeared altogether.
What forced the Aboriginal people off their land?
As with the American Indians, the English forced the Aboriginal people off their land. Many were beaten and killed. Others contracted diseases that were foreign to them. Their immune systems couldn't fight these illnesses off, and many people died.
When did the English start building prisons?
So in 1788 , England sent a crew to Australia, then known as New South Wales, and began building prisons.
What was the last continent to be discovered by Europeans?
Australia was the last continent to be found by the Europeans. In 1768, James Cook left England to explore the South Seas. He came across Australia and proclaimed it New South Wales. He promptly left, and no one else ventured to the continent for two decades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
