On 26 January 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip and the 11 ships of the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove from Great Britain. What was the primary reason for establishing this first European settlement in Australia?
- To establish a penal colony for convictsAnswer
- BTo provide land for a large group of free settlers to start farms
- CTo search for gold and precious minerals in the inland regions
Answer
The primary reason for establishing the first European settlement was to create a penal colony for convicts from Great Britain.
The correct answer is correct because the British government established the first settlement at Sydney Cove as a penal colony to house convicts who were being transported from overcrowded prisons in Great Britain.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The First Fleet was sent by Great Britain to establish a penal colony (convict settlement) at Sydney Cove in 1788.
Hints
1
Think about the main group of people who were on the 11 ships led by Arthur Phillip.
2
Great Britain's prisons were overcrowded in the late 1700s, leading them to look for new locations overseas.
Practice More
Research the significance of why the fleet moved from Botany Bay to Sydney Cove.
Estimated Time:45s