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.
The first permanent settlers arrived in Australia with the First Fleet on 26 January 1788 to set up the new penal colony.
Britain did not settle in Australia. Britain stayed exactly where it is.
British people, on the other hand, did come and settle in Australia.
The British decided to colonise and settle in Australia for several reasons:
1. To expand the British empire, and prevent the French from gaining a foothold in the Australian continent or in the southwest 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. Following this, the English were no longer able to transport surplus prisoners who couldn't legally be executed to North America.
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.
6. The continent had Natural Resources which England wanted.
The first permanent settlers arrived in Australia with the First Fleet on 26 January 1788 to set up the new penal colony.
Australia was settled for the purpose of, setting up a penal colony for the British to dump off unwanted prisoners.
The British Empire did not exchange kangaroos for anything in Australia.
Australia did not 'join' the British Empire, the British was the first westerners who set foot on Australia. They stuck the Union Jack down, and claimed Australia as theirs.
The British Empire
The British Empire once controlled North America, India and Australia. Many other nations were also part of the British Empire.
The British Empire - yes
Because Australia was a part of the British Empire. Because Australia was a part of the British Empire
north America The British Empire controlled an entire continent in Australia. The British Empire was the largest empire in history.
money
British Empire
The British Empire no longer exists. However, there are around 50 countries who used to be part of the British Empire but are now independent and choose to remain part of the Commonwealth of Nations. Those countries include Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and many Caribbean countries.
Sheep
The British Empire.