There were multiple reasons for Brittan to transport convicts to Australia, with the main cause being the surplus of convicts in Brittan. However, this decision was influenced by several factors including the Industrial Revolution, the American War of Independence, the ambition to expand the British Empire, and Australia’s self-sustainability. It is crucial to mention that the American War of Independence significantly affected this decision to establish a settlement in Australia.
In 18th century England, the industrial revolution presented difficulties including a decrease in employment opportunities and an increase in criminal activity. The lack of jobs resulted in individuals resorting to stealing necessary items like food and clothing. Previously, Britain had transported convicts to the American colonies, but this ended after America’s war of Independence as British convicts were no longer permitted entry into North America.
An alternative solution was found in Australia to prevent the French from gaining a foothold in the South Pacific during England’s war with them. Expanding the British Empire into this region would also provide Britain with a strategic port for trade with China and an opportunity to extend its naval and commercial power. Moreover, England desired the natural resources that Australia offered. Additionally, due to ongoing war, Britain needed to secure an alternative supply of Flax and timber as its Baltic supply was at risk.
It was believed that nearby Norfolk Island would provide this. From the colonization of Australia, Britain’s trading was greatly improved, giving Britain more global power and an advantage over France, with whom they were at war. Australia was also chosen because it had the ability to grow crops and animals that could sustain a colony, especially New Zealand’s Flax plant. This ability to grow the plant allowed the settlers to maintain their own food supply and health without relying too heavily on England, the mother country.
Therefore, England’s focus on more important matters would allow Australia to be left unattended for extended periods of time. The decision to establish a convict settlement in Australia was primarily influenced by the American rebellion against Britain, Britain’s war with France, and Australia’s exceptional self-sustainability and climates. As a result, Britain’s choice to send convicts to Australia proved highly advantageous.
