The British Colonies: Conquering Wild Australia Part I

Dear friends,

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Countries with strong navies often discover new lands. Europeans first encountered the Australian mainland in 1606, when the Dutch East India Company’s ship, Duyfken, captained by Willem Janszoon, docked on the Australian coast. The Portuguese, more Dutch explorers, the British, and the French followed. They charted the coast, described the locals, and noted the flora and fauna, but colonization plans remained uncertain for the Europeans.

At the end of the 18th century, the American Revolution resulted in the loss of British colonial lands, prompting Britain to seek new territories. Meanwhile, prisons in Britain became overcrowded and breeding grounds for infections, threatening public health. To address this, Britain decided to establish penal colonies by sending prisoners to replace confinement in overcrowded cells.

The UK had already claimed rights over Australian territories south of the 35th meridian, naming them New South Wales. They established their first Australian penal colony with the arrival of the First Fleet under Captain Arthur Phillip. This fleet, consisting of 11 vessels transporting over a thousand people, including 778 criminals (586 men and 192 women), along with the crew, settled in Sydney Cove on January 26, 1788. This date later became a national holiday—Australia Day. Captain Phillip became the colony’s governor. The area offered a safe harbour and fresh water sources. The new governor aimed to create a harmonious society, re-educate criminals, and coexist peacefully with the locals.

By 1792, the number of colonists had increased significantly through voyages from the homeland, but they faced great difficulties in adapting to the new land, which was unsuitable for common crops. Harvests were poor, and ship supplies were insufficient. Additionally, many newcomers were sick and unable to contribute to construction and agriculture. In 1791, the colony began trading, improving the situation. More frequent supplies from Europe saved the venture from failure.

Realizing the local land’s barrenness, the governor sent expeditions to search for more fertile soil. They discovered the Parramatta region, about 24 km west of Sydney, and soon established a new, smaller colony there. Over time, it became the main economic centre of British settlement in Australia.

Dear friends, stay with us to learn more about the story of the Australian colonists and their challenging lives! Stay tuned for Part 2!

Author: Iveta Radeva