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Difficulty: MediumEarly Free Settlers

While the first European settlers in Australia were primarily convicts and guards, a growing number of people arrived later of their own free will. What was a primary motivation for these "free settlers" to migrate to the early colonies?

  1. To find new opportunities and a better life, such as through farmingAnswer
  2. B
    To serve a prison sentence as punishment for crimes committed in Great Britain
  3. C
    To participate in the Federation of the colonies into one united nation

Answer

The primary motivation for early free settlers was to find new opportunities and a better life, such as through farming.
The correct answer is correct because free settlers were motivated by the prospect of a better life and economic prosperity. In the early 19th century, Australia offered vast amounts of land for farming and other industries, which was a significant draw for people from Great Britain and Ireland looking to improve their social and economic standing.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Distinguish between the two main groups of early European arrivals.
Convicts were forced to come as punishment, while free settlers came by choice.
Understanding the different statuses of arrivals is essential for identifying their motivations.
2
Identify the goals of voluntary migrants from Great Britain and Ireland.
They sought economic improvement and personal freedom, often through land ownership and agriculture.
The Australian Citizenship booklet emphasizes that opportunities like farming were major attractions for those moving voluntarily.

Key Concept

Distinction between forced transportation (convicts) and voluntary migration (free settlers) in early Australian history.

Practice More

Review the history of the First Fleet to understand the origins of the convict system in Australia.
Estimated Time:45s
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Early Free Settlers

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