Question

Difficulty: MediumArrival of the First Fleet

The historic journey that began in May 17871787 from Portsmouth, England, was the first step in establishing a British colony in Australia. Which of the following accurately describes the duration of this voyage and the number of ships involved in the First Fleet?

  1. The voyage took approximately 88 months and involved a fleet of 1111 ships.Answer
  2. B
    The voyage took nearly 22 years and involved a small fleet of 33 mapping ships.
  3. C
    The voyage took approximately 88 months and was made up of ships carrying only free settlers.

Answer

The First Fleet consisted of 1111 ships and the voyage from England to Australia took approximately 88 months.
The correct answer accurately states that the voyage lasted approximately 88 months (from May 17871787 to January 17881788) and involved a fleet of 1111 ships, which carried the convicts, guards, and supplies necessary to start the colony.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Recall the departure and arrival dates of the First Fleet.
The fleet left Portsmouth in May 17871787 and arrived at Sydney Cove in January 17881788.
Establishing the timeline helps calculate the duration of the journey.
2
Calculate the duration between May 17871787 and January 17881788.
The duration is approximately 88 months.
This confirms the time spent at sea and at various ports during the voyage.
3
Identify the number of ships that were commissioned for the First Fleet.
The fleet was composed of 1111 ships (two Navy ships, six convict transports, and three storeships).
Knowing the fleet composition distinguishes this event from other historical voyages.

Key Concept

The First Fleet's Voyage Parameters

Hints

1
Consider the time it would take to sail halfway around the world in the 1818 th century—it was a matter of months, not weeks or years.
2
The First Fleet was a large mission designed to start a whole new settlement, so it required more than just a few mapping ships.
3
The fleet left in May 17871787 and arrived in January 17881788, using a total of 1111 vessels to carry everyone and everything they needed.

Practice More

Research the names of the two Navy ships that led the First Fleet to understand the military protection provided for the voyage.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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