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New South Wales was settled primarily as a convict outpost for Britain's excess convicts. Since the American War of Independence, North Ameeica was no longer accepting convicts from England, and the gaols were overflowing. New South Wales was far enough away to ensure the "low life's" would not return to England.
However, there were other reasons. the British Empire wished to have a strategic outpost in the South Pacific as it was at war with France at the time. The continent was also in a good position to trade with Asian nations for spices and other exotic goods. Furthermore, no consideration was given to the native occupants of the Australian continent: the land was declared terra nullius, meaning 'no man's land', and was regarded as being free for another nation to claim and settle.
The first European settlers in Australia were mainly convicts from England, together with the officers and the marines who guarded them. They arrived on the First Fleet in January 1788.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe 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. 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.
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When was New South Wales established as a colony?
New South Wales was established as a colony on 26 January 1788.
When was Van Diemens Land established?
Van Diemen's Land was established as a colony in 1803, but continued to be administered by the Governor of New South Wales. In June 1825, Van Diemen's Land was separated administratively from New South Wales, and Hobart Town was declared the capital of the colony.
When did James Cook become governor for New South Wales?
James Cook was never Governor of New South Wales. All he did was to chart the eastern coast, claim it for England and name it New South Wales. He died before the First Fleet was even considered, let alone established and sent to NSW.
How old is New South Wales?
While it is impossible to know how old New South Wales is in geological terms, it was first named in 1770. James Cook, who was the first European to chart the area, named the entire eastern coast of Australia New South Wales because the countryside bore a resemblance to parts of southern Wales. New South Wales gradually lost land as new colonies were established! and became independent. In its current form, New South Wales has remained as is since 1 January 1911, when land was ceded for the Australian Capital Territory.
What is the abbreviation for New South Wales?
The abbreviation for New South Wales is NSW.
Is New South Wales in Russia?
No. New South Wales is a state in Australia.
When was New South Wales created?
New South Wales was created in 1788.
Victoria ia to new south wales as new south wales is to?
Queensland
What are some advantages about New South Wales being a country?
New South Wales is not a country. New South Wales is a state in the country of Australia.
Is New South Wales a country?
New South Wales is a state in Australia, originally named by Lieutenant James Cook as it reminded him of southern Wales. The entire eastern coast of Australia was given this name, but now New South Wales refers to just one of the states in the eastern half of the continent. The capital city of New South Wales is Sydney.
New South Wales is part of what country?
New South Wales is located in Australia.
Is New South Wales a suburb?
No. New South Wales is a state of Australia, not a suburb.
