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After observing the transit of Venus, James Cook had orders to head south and west and secretly search for the unknown Great Southern Continent, or Terra Australis Incognitabefore other countries, especially France, reached it first. There was still a belief that New Holland discovered by the Portuguese and Dutch was not the great southern continent, and that another, greater continent lay in the Southern Hemisphere. Cook's orders were to find out as much as he could about this land.

One of the reasons was basically for exploitation. Britain wanted to expand its empire, and to use any resources it might find to help develop a trade base in the south Pacific.

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When and how did captain cook find the great southern continent?

Captain James Cook did not actually find the Great Southern Continent. In fact, no such continent exists and Cook's voyages in the late 18th century helped confirm this by mapping out the coastlines of Australia and New Zealand, proving that they were not part of a larger landmass. Cook's expeditions were instrumental in dispelling the myth of a massive southern continent and advancing our understanding of the geography of the southern hemisphere.


Why did Captain Cook settle in Australia?

James Cook never settled in Australia. He was sent to explore whether there really was a great southern continent, but he never settled in Australia.


What was Captain James Cook most known for?

The English sea captain Captain James Cook was most known for being the first European to find the eastern coast of Australia, as well as eliminating the rumor of a great southern continent among with other things.


Why was Captain Cook searching for Australia?

James Cook was not searching specifically for Australia. He was sent to explore whether there really was a great southern continent. He found the east coast of New Holland, previously discovered by the Dutch, but what he was really looking for was "Terra Australis Incognita", the unknown Southern Land, which was believed to be a great Southern landmass.


What country was captain cook sailing for?

Great Britain.


Did Captain Cook find the Great Southern land?

He didn't.James Cook did not find the great southern continent that was believed to exist. He found the east coast of Australia, a continent that was purported to have been discovered by the Portuguese in the 1500s, and officially recorded by the Dutch in the 1600s, but this was not the same as the "great southern land" that never actually existed.


Is Captain Cook a real cook?

Captain Cook was a ships' captain, not a cook.


Why did Captain Cook go on his second voyage?

On James Cook's second journey which lasted from 1772-1775, he commanded the 'Resolution' and the 'Adventure' on an expedition to the South Pacific, in order to either prove or disprove the rumour of a great southern continent.


What country was Captain Cook from?

Captain James Cook was English.


What year did Captain Cook claim New South Wales in Australia?

James Cook (not yet a captain) claimed New South Wales for Great Britain in 1770.


Who explored Australia and the great barrier reef for England?

Captain James Cook


What is Captain Cook's last name?

Captain Cook's last name was Cook. His full name (after promotion) was Captain James Cook.