0
Australia was seen as strategically important to the British Empire for a number of reasons.
Colonising the continent would provide a convenient way to ease the problem of overcrowded prisons in England. Due to the American War of Independence, the former American colonies were no longer viable for England to send its excess prisoners, and New South Wales offered a location for establishing a new penal colony in a land which showed promise of eventually becoming self-supporting.
Expanding the British Empire into the South Pacific would also prevent the French, with whom England was at war, from gaining a foothold in the region. The location would allow Britain the port it needed in the East to promote trade with China and to extend its naval and commercial power.
The continent had Natural Resources which England wanted. As well, 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.
Later, as Australia grew and became self-sufficient, it served as a great trading partner in terms of gold, wool, and timber.
During the mid to late 19th century Australian troops were called upon to help keep British order in the surrounding regions, such as the Boer War, the Musket Wars and so on.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What did the British empire exchange kangaroos for in Australia?
The British Empire did not exchange kangaroos for anything in Australia.
Why Australia joined the British Empire?
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.
Australia was once part of the empire.?
The British Empire
Why did Australia taking part in World War 1?
Because Australia was a part of the British Empire, and did not have its own independent foreign policy. Australia's foreign policy was set by the British government, so when the British government declared war, Australia considered itself automatically at war. Even though the Australian government did not make the decision, it still strongly supported Britain. Australians thought of themselves as citizens of the British Empire, and thought that the security of the Empire was important for Australia's own security. Therefore they were happy to challenge Germany when it was viewed as a threat to the Empire.
Which empire once controlled America India and Australia?
The British Empire once controlled North America, India and Australia. Many other nations were also part of the British Empire.
Does Australia belong in the English Empire?
The British Empire - yes
What were the main reasons Australia decided to help Britain in World War 1?
Because Australia was a part of the British Empire. Because Australia was a part of the British Empire
Where did the british empire control an entire continent?
north America The British Empire controlled an entire continent in Australia. The British Empire was the largest empire in history.
What did the british empire give to Australia?
money
Australia was once part of the?
British Empire
Did Australia take part in world war 1?
Because Australia was a part of the British Empire, and did not have its own independent foreign policy. Australia's foreign policy was set by the British government, so when the British government declared war, Australia considered itself automatically at war. Even though the Australian government did not make the decision, it still strongly supported Britain. Australians thought of themselves as citizens of the British Empire, and thought that the security of the Empire was important for Australia's own security. Therefore they were happy to challenge Germany when it was viewed as a threat to the Empire.
What was an important event that happened to the British Empire in 1901?
The death of Queen Victoria and Australia becoming a self governing colony within the empire. What is known as a Dominion.
