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What problem were the British trying to overcome when they sent their prisoners to Australia. Was there any benefits gained for the British?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The main problem which Britain was trying to overcome by sending its prisoners to Australia was the issue of the many overcrowded jails.
During the 18th century, British prisons were overcrowded with people charged with minor offences. This was an attempt to crack down on rampant crime as people sought to survive unemployment in the Industrial Revolution. The Industrial Revolution meant that the development of machines displaced many people from their employment, and the only way to survive was to steal food and other basic necessities. However, because of this, the prisons were so overcrowded that people were even held on hulk - old prison ships - moored along the Thames.
Britain had originally been able to send convicts to America, but the American War of Independence stopped that. An alternative had to be found. James Cook and Sir Joseph Banks had recommended botany Bay (New South Wales) after their exploration of the region in 1770. The authorities in Britain decided to act on this recommendation, sending the First Fleet of convict in 1787, who then arrived in New South Wales in 1788.
In addition, because Australia was so far away, there was little chance of the convicts getting back to Britain.
There were numerous other benefits as well.
By sending the excess prisoners to the other side of the world, Britain was able to expand its empire, and prevent the French from gaining a foothold in the Australian continent or in that part of the Pacific. In addition, by claiming the continent, Briatin would benefit from commercial and political gains by using Australia's resources. Britain also needed a port in the East to promote trade with China and to extend its naval and commercial power.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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How was the problem of England's overflowing prisoners addressed?
I assume the question relates to the deportation of prisoners from England to our penal colonies being established in Australia (and elsewhere)? The problem was simply to remove the prisoners somewhere else. In 1787, the 'First Fleet' departed from England, to establish the first British penal colony settlement in Australia.
What were the death ships which sailed to Australia?
Before the American Revolutionary War, British prisoners were sold as indentured servants to work on American farms. While an individual could indenture himself for 7 years in exchange for passage across the ocean, a prisoner's indenture could last 30 years. During the Revolutionary War, prisoners made up the bulk of the British army. After that war, England needed a place to send prisoners. Australia was available. Prisoners were sent from jails in England to prisons in Australia. After the prisoners served their sentences, they were released from prison in Australia. They would never return to England. Their relatives in England would never hear from them again. It was as if once they walked on board the boat they went to their deaths. It was possible for a person in England to write to a person in Australia and get an answer. However, it required an address. Without knowing where they were, it was impossible to contact them. They were dead to their relatives back in England.
When did the British capture slaves from Australia?
The very first group of British prisoners, known as convicts, arrived and disembarked in Australia on 26 January 1788. They were part of the First Fleet, the group of eleven ships which carried convicts, marines and some of their wives and children, and officers, departing Portsmoum England in May 1787. British convicts continued to be sent to Australia until the 1860s.
Why did the British decide to settle in Australia after the loss of the American colonies?
They colonized there to put all the prisoners there because of all the un inployment issues and the rise in crime in London
How Many british prisoners died in the war?
1,000
What country were Australia's first settlers from?
The British put their prisoners there.
Why Did The British Decide To Settle In Australia?
The British expanded their colonial possessions to Australia for an important reason. They needed more room for their prisoners.
What was the original purpose in the British colony in Australia?
to create a place to send prisoners
British prisoners were among the first european settlers of which country in the southern hemisphere?
Australia
What type of people were the first British to colonize Australia?
Australia was colonised by British prisoners. The British government sent a fleet of convicts and officers, under the command of Captain Arthur Phillip, to colonise the land that James Cook had named and claimed as "New South Wales".
How the British used austarlia?
Australia was originally set up as a penal colony where Britain sent prisoners.
How was the problem of England's overflowing prisoners addressed?
I assume the question relates to the deportation of prisoners from England to our penal colonies being established in Australia (and elsewhere)? The problem was simply to remove the prisoners somewhere else. In 1787, the 'First Fleet' departed from England, to establish the first British penal colony settlement in Australia.
What was Australia was established as?
Australia was originally established as a penal colony, or convict settlement. The first Europeans to permanently settle in the country were British prisoners, and the officers and marines who led and guarded them.
What were the death ships which sailed to Australia?
Before the American Revolutionary War, British prisoners were sold as indentured servants to work on American farms. While an individual could indenture himself for 7 years in exchange for passage across the ocean, a prisoner's indenture could last 30 years. During the Revolutionary War, prisoners made up the bulk of the British army. After that war, England needed a place to send prisoners. Australia was available. Prisoners were sent from jails in England to prisons in Australia. After the prisoners served their sentences, they were released from prison in Australia. They would never return to England. Their relatives in England would never hear from them again. It was as if once they walked on board the boat they went to their deaths. It was possible for a person in England to write to a person in Australia and get an answer. However, it required an address. Without knowing where they were, it was impossible to contact them. They were dead to their relatives back in England.
What did Australia do during the Civil War?
Australia was claimed by Great Britain and colonized by British prisoners. During the Civil War, Australia was still a remote outpost of Great Britain, with no appreciable effect on the war. Of the British colonies, Canada and Jamaica would have had much more of a bearing on the Civil War due to their proximity.
Why did bhagat singh launched a hunger strike in the british jail?
As the british prisoners were treated better than the Indian political prisoners, bhagat singh and other prisoners launched a hunger strike advocating for the rights of prisoners and undertrials.
When did the British capture slaves from Australia?
The very first group of British prisoners, known as convicts, arrived and disembarked in Australia on 26 January 1788. They were part of the First Fleet, the group of eleven ships which carried convicts, marines and some of their wives and children, and officers, departing Portsmoum England in May 1787. British convicts continued to be sent to Australia until the 1860s.
