Great Britain used to send many of its convicts to North America, but this stopped after the American War of Independence. Which of the following best describes how the British government responded to the resulting overcrowding in its prisons in 1788?
- They sent a group of 11 ships, known as the First Fleet, to establish a penal colony in AustraliaAnswer
- BThey allowed convicts to volunteer as free settlers to help establish farming communities in Australia
- CThey sent the First Fleet to discover gold and other resources to pay for new prisons in Great Britain
Answer
The British government responded to prison overcrowding by sending the First Fleet of 11 ships to Australia to establish a penal colony in 1788.
The correct answer is correct because the primary historical motivation for the First Fleet was to solve the prison overcrowding crisis in Great Britain by establishing a penal colony in Australia, a move necessitated by the loss of American territories.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The primary reason for the First Fleet's arrival was to establish a penal colony due to overcrowded prisons in Great Britain.
Hints
1
Think about why the British government needed a new place for its prisoners after losing its colonies in North America.
2
The 11 ships of the First Fleet were sent to create a 'penal colony,' which is a place specifically for people convicted of crimes.
3
The overcrowding in British prisons was the direct reason for the 1788 expedition led by Captain Arthur Phillip.
Practice More
Review the specific location where Captain Arthur Phillip eventually raised the British flag on January 26, 1788.
Estimated Time:1m 15s