When did Great Britain colonize Australia?

Answer 1

After Lieutenant James Cook discovered the east coast and mapped it in 1770, the First Fleet landed and settled in 1788.

The British first arrived to settle Sydney on 18 January 1788. They first arrived at botany Bay but, for several reasons, moved northwards to Port Jackson, arriving and settling on 26 January 1788.

Answer 2

Australia's six colonies were under British rule from the time the First Fleet landed, in 1788, until 1901.

On 1 January 1901, federation of the colonies was achieved and the Commonwealth of Australia was proclaimed. After this, Australia still retained its ties to Great Britain, and the UK still has a representative in Australia in the form of the Governor-General. However, by becoming a Federation, Australia became self-governing and had the right to develop its own constitution.

Answer 3

The first colonists arrived in Australia with the First Fleet on 26 January 1788 to establish a new penal colony.

The British decided to colonise Australia for several reasons:

1. To expand the British empire, and prevent the French from gaining a foothold in the Australian continent or in that part of the Pacific.

2. To solve the problem of Britain's overcrowded prisons (a consequence of the Industrial Revolution) by establishing a new penal colony in a land which showed promise for eventually becoming self-supporting. Britain had been sending their excess prisoners to North America, but the American War of Independence put a stop to the practice. After James Cook's successful voyage which involved charting the eastern coast of Australia, New South Wales was seen as a viable proposition for a convict colony. In particular, it was endorsed by Sir Joseph Banks, the influential botanist who travelled with Cook.

3. Australia could provide commercial and political gains to Britain.

4. Due to war, Britain needed to find an alternative supply of Flax and timber as her Baltic supply was under threat. It was believed that nearby Norfolk Island would provide this.

5. Britain needed a port in the East to promote trade with China and to extend its naval and commercial power.

Answer 4

Captain James Cook claimed the east coast of Australia for Britain in 1770. The First Fleet arrived in 1788 to colonise it.

Answer 5

Britain did not invade Australia, Britain colonised and settled Australia.

Answer 6

Britain started colonising the continent of Australia in 1788.

Answer 7

1788

Answer 8

until 1901