What was William Bligh famous for?

Answer 1

William Bligh, born 9 September 1754, is perhaps best known for his role in the mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred after Bligh left Tahiti on his way to the Caribbean. For reasons undetermined by historical records, Master's Mate Fletcher Christian led the mutiny, with the support of a small number of the ship's crew. Bligh and his own supporters were provided with a 7m launch, a sextant and enough provisions to enable them to reach the closest ports, but no means of navigation. Bligh and his supporters then completed an arduous 41 day journey to Timor.

Bligh was honourably acquitted in a London court, and later assigned as Governor to the fledgling colony of New South Wales in 1805. He proved himself to be a strong character, receiving criticism for his seemingly despotic ways, and apparent disregard for English law as opposed to his own law. His chief critic was grazier and wool grower John Macarthur, who convinced men from the New South Wales Corp to rebel against Bligh. On 26 January 1808, twenty years after the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove, Governor Bligh was overthrown and replaced with a military Junta. This event later became known as the Rum Rebellion, though it had nothing to do with rum. The name came about because Bligh asserted that Macarthur's main attack against the Governor came about because of his prohibition on Spirits.

The Rum Rebellion caused Bligh to be imprisoned from 1808 to 1810. Evidence suggested the catalyst to the event was more a clash of strong personalities than any real disregard for English laws. Bligh was known for his violent temper and tendency to alienate others, but his motives were honourable. Bligh was exonerated in 1811, after which he returned to England.

Answer 2

William Bligh featured prominently in Australia's early history. He is perhaps best known for his role in the mutiny on the Bounty, which occurred after Bligh left Tahiti on his way to the Caribbean. For reasons undetermined by historical records, Master's Mate Fletcher Christian led the mutiny, with the support of a small number of the ship's crew. Bligh and his own supporters were provided with a 7m launch, a sextant and enough provisions to enable them to reach the closest ports, but no means of navigation. Bligh and his supporters then completed an arduous 41 day journey to Timor.

Bligh was honourably acquitted in a London court, and later assigned as Governor to the fledgling colony of New South Wales in 1805. He proved himself to be a strong character, receiving criticism for his seemingly despotic ways, and apparent disregard for English law as opposed to his own law. His chief critic was grazier and wool grower John Macarthur, who convinced men from the New South Wales Corp to rebel against Bligh. On 26 January 1808, twenty years after the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove, Governor Bligh was overthrown and replaced with a military Junta. This event later became known as the Rum Rebellion, though it had nothing to do with rum. The name came about because Bligh asserted that Macarthur's main attack against the Governor came about because of his prohibition on Spirits.

The Rum Rebellion caused Bligh to be imprisoned from 1808 to 1810. Evidence suggested the catalyst to the event was more a clash of strong personalities than any real disregard for English laws. Bligh was known for his violent temper and tendency to alienate others, but his motives were honourable. Bligh was exonerated in 1811, after which he returned to England.

Answer 3

Several things. Perhaps mostly for the mutiny when he was commander of HMS Bounty and the amazing 3,618 nautical mile journey in an open boat when he and 18 loyal crewmen were cast adrift.

He was Sailing Master for James Cook aboard HMS Resolution and made Governor of New South Wales.

There is no evidence to suggest he was the tyrant as portrayed in several movies. In fact he was an enlightened commander and used lesser punishments than many other commanders of the time.