Australian Settlement

The main reason for settlement in Australia was to set up a convict colony
It is believed by many Australians that the main reason for British settlement was to set up a convict colony. However, there are many other factors that contributed to the cause. Firstly, Britain wanted the prestige of a dominant empire; they had to be better than the Spanish and the Dutch. Furthermore, Australia was seen to have a dominant position in the world because it could easily defend India (Britain’s pride) if it were attacked. Also, the British navy could take great advantage of the flax and timber that grew plentiful in the nearby islands. Lastly, Australia was a new continent and many scientists looking for a chance at new discoveries were sent over. The convict colony theory is an easy one to understand but these other reasons compliment it and form the bigger picture.
Firstly, there was a huge increase of convicts in Britain due to the industrial revolution which resulted in Britain becoming a rich and thriving country. The old way of the cottage industry in the country was gone. London, the capital of the industrial revolution was filled with factories. These factories hired workers and exploited them paying them almost nothing. On top of that, factory owners built housing for their workers but they did not care for them at all, the houses were tiny and people crammed in to avoid paying more money. Poor wages and disgusting living conditions lead to a life of crime. In the late 18th century the punishment for stealing or for forming a union was imprisonment. Britain sent most of its criminals overseas to America because gaols and hulks (unseaworthy navy ships) were overcrowded. In 1783 when America won its independence over Britain it became clear that they needed a new place to send their convicts. Australia was an ideal place for Britain to send its convicts because Australia was so far away that they were truly banished.
Furthermore, Australia was an important continent...