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Why was James Cook chosen to lead the expedition to Australia?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
James Cook was chosen to lead this, the first of his major expeditions, because with his experience and skills, he was an ideal candidate for the scientific and exploration missions upon which he set out.
Cook's original mission was to observe the transit of Venus from the vantage point of Tahiti.
Cook was then under secret orders to try to find the great unknown southern continent, and claim it for Britain. In so doing, he charted the eastern coastline of what he called "New South Wales" (now Australia), making extensive notes on the people, flora, fauna and prospective suitability for colonisation, and reported back to England.
It is significant that, contrary to popular belief, James Cook did not discover Australia. The continent he explored had been discovered over 150 years before, by the Dutch and possibly even the Portuguese before then.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Why did Captain James Cook start adventuring?
James Cook's first expedition started in 1768.
What side of Australia did Captain James cook discover?
James Cook charted the east coast of Australia.
How did James cook use the toilet in his expedition?
in the bushes
What ship did James Cook travel on to come to Australia?
James Cook, who was not yet a Captain but a Lieutenant, travelled to Australia in the HM Bark Endeavour.
How did Captain Cook get to Australia?
James Cook was in command of HMS Bark Endeavour when he sailed to Australia.
Why did Captain James Cook start adventuring?
James Cook's first expedition started in 1768.
How old was James Cook when he landed on Australia?
James Cook was 41 when he first reached Australia.
What coast of Australia did James Cook discover?
James Cook was the first to chart the east coast of Australia.
What side of Australia did Captain James cook discover?
James Cook charted the east coast of Australia.
How did James cook use the toilet in his expedition?
in the bushes
When did James Cook explore Australia?
James Cook charted the eastern coast of Australia from April to August 1770.
When did James Cook map Australia's coastline?
James Cook charted much of Australia's eastern coastline in 1770.
When did James Cook first sight Australia?
James Cook first sighted the eastern coast of Australia in April 1770.
The name of the animal James Cook saw in Australia?
James Cook first saw the kangaroo in Australia, noting it as a gangurru.
Was James Cook the first to settle Australia?
James Cook was neither the first person to discover nor settle Australia.
What ship did James Cook travel on to come to Australia?
James Cook, who was not yet a Captain but a Lieutenant, travelled to Australia in the HM Bark Endeavour.
What is an fact about James Cook?
James Cook was born in yorkshire. See related links.
