During the early , the development of the Australian colonies was significantly influenced by the arrival of 'free settlers' from Great Britain and Ireland. Which of the following best describes this group of people?
- Individuals who made the decision to migrate voluntarily to start a new lifeAnswer
- BFormer convicts who were granted freedom after completing their prison sentences
- CPeople who were transported to the colonies against their will as a form of punishment
Answer
Free settlers were people from Great Britain and Ireland who chose to migrate to Australia voluntarily to start a new life.
The correct answer identifies that free settlers were individuals who chose to migrate voluntarily. This is the primary characteristic that separated them from the majority of the European population at the time, which consisted largely of convicts sent as punishment.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The distinction between voluntary migration (free settlers) and forced transportation (convicts) in early Australian colonial history.
Hints
1
Think about whether 'free settlers' came to Australia by choice or because they were required to by a court.
2
The term 'free' suggests they were not under the control of the penal (prison) system when they arrived.
Practice More
Review the differences between the First Fleet's arrival in 1788 and the subsequent growth of the colonies through voluntary migration.
Estimated Time:1m 15s