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British Colonization. Australia the Colony. The colony of Australia began with the establishment of Port Jackson, a settlement in New South Wales on January 26, 1788. Founding of Port Jackson. Prison Colonies.
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Australia the Colony • The colony of Australia began with the establishment of Port Jackson, a settlement in New South Wales on January 26, 1788. The History of Australia
Founding of Port Jackson The History of Australia
Prison Colonies • 1787 – British ships called the “First Fleet” left England with convicts to establish a prison colony at Port Jackson – convicts settled in 1788.
Convicts Take Over Australia • The British experienced overcrowding in their prison system and sought to solve the problem by sentencing their prisoners to “transportation” -- Australia. • Here they founded a system of labor in which people, whatever their crime, were employed according to their skills. • From 1810, convicts were seen as a source of labor to advance and develop the British colony. • Convict labor was used to develop the public facilities of the colonies - roads, bridges, courthouses, and hospitals. Convicts also worked for free settlers and small land holders.
Port Arthur • Port Arthur was named after Van Diemen's Land lieutenant governor George Arthur. The settlement started as a timber station in 1830, but it is best known for being a penal colony. • From 1833, until the 1850s, it was the destination for the hardest of convicted British and Irish criminals, those who were secondary offenders having re-offended after their arrival in Australia. Rebellious personalities from other convict stations were also sent here. • In addition, Port Arthur had some of the strictest security measures of the British penal system.
Port Arthur Prison The History of Australia
Convict-built chapel at Port Arthur Prison The History of Australia
Port Arthur • Some tales suggest that prisoners committed murder (an offence punishable by death) just to escape the desolation of life at the camp. • The Island of the Dead was the destination for all who died inside the prison camps.
Aborigines vs. British • British settlers brought disease and guns to Australia. • The Aborigines had no immunity against European diseases. • In the 19th & 20th centuries, conflict worsened. • Surviving Aborigines were forced onto reservations in the interior.
Australia Grows Up! • 1851- Gold was discovered in New South Wales and Victoria, attracting a large population. • Australia’s population quadrupled!! • Independence became an issue.