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First Fleet in Sydney Cove_edited.jpg

Reasons for the establishment of a British penal colony at New South Wales

Military uniforms - Post-captain.jpg

Timeline of events

  • James Matra's proposal (1783)

  • Treasury & Cabinet considerations (1785–1786)

  • Official decision (1786)

  • Governor appointment (1786)

  • Official Government instructions (1787)

James Matra_edited.jpg

James Matra ~ 1783 proposal

  • No existing sovereign

  • Suitable harbour

  • Fertile soils and suitable climate

  • ​Availability of flax

  • Trade

  • Naval power

  • Expansion of the Empire

Governor Arthur Phillip.jpg

Arthur Phillip

  • Transportation to the Americas ends

  • ​Failed alternatives​

  • The choice of 'New Holland'

SMH 1938.jpg

Prof S.H. Roberts ~ 1938

  • Overcrowded prisons in Britain

  • America no longer accepted convicts

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