why did the british goverment decide to colonize new south wales?

Answer 1

old habits seldom die

Answer 2

Australia was colonized by the bristish as a 'Penal colony'. This means they sent prisoners there to work, becuase England was overcrowed, esüpecially London. They had actually started the process with the Americas- The US state of Georgia started out as a penal colony as well. Also, in that time, the belief was that the country with the most land/colonies, was the greatest. But, no one really wants to back up and leave their home for a LONG sea journey that they might die on to go to a lond they know nothing abouit. Sio, they sent their prisoners. Anotehr reason, they wanted it to be part of Britain and not the Netherlands. (again, size=power).

In literature, You can find this in the works of Dickens, especially 'Great Expectations' and in some Sherlock Holmes stories as well.

As a note of intrest, there are still a few people in Britain that can only think of the Australians as a bunch of Convicts, even today. (Which is actually rather stupid)

Answer 3

I am Australian and I remember from history at school that the British Government colonized New South Wales because the British prisons were overcrowded so they decided to ship out convicts to New South Wales to relieve the overcrowding. Many people were in prison for petty offences such as stealing a loaf of bread. So you can imagine how many prisoners there were. I think that I learnt in history that many prisoners were being kept in old ships called "hulks" moored on the Thames and other large rivers in England because there was no more room in the prisons.

Answer 4

The discovery of Australia by Captain Cook was part of that discovery age, when European powers sponsored good navigators to look for markets / resources for European goods.

I dont believe that Captain cooks discovery of Australia was part of any grand plan to look for land to resolve England's overcrowded Jail system - that came much later. Its one thing to discover a country - its another to decide to stay and settle there. Why would Britain settle Australia if it didnt have anything to offer?

The colonisation of Australia was in part to help relieve the social problem of overcrowding in English jails. However, it was not the only reason.

Once Australia was discovered, Britain could not just say oh we have found it but we dont want to colonise it. Colonisation would have provided an outlet for those British aristocracy and military officers who wanted to futher their career - but couldnt do that at home because many positions were already taken.

Settling Australia it was hoped would one day provide Britain with healty import / export markets and valuable resources that it found impossible to get in Europe. This was especially true when Britain was at war with France - it forced Britain to look for new markets for dyes, wool, cotton. Australia had wide open plains - good for grazing and farming - something Britain was lacking.

With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and Britain's wars with Napoleonic France, I think Australia began to take on more important and greater dimensions as a supplier for Britain.

Answer 5

When the American colonies jacked up the British needed another place to send their "criminals" (some were sentenced for stealing a loaf of bread to feed their family) from the overcrowded gaols and the discovery of the eastern side of Australia provided such a place. Being settled by such people (most of whom were happy to get away from such a filthy place) helped give us a care free, laid back attitude.

Answer 6

They wanted somewhere to send the convicts but maybe they should moved here and left Britain to the criminals.

Answer 7

in case they want to buy a land because they have money...