Colonization of Australia

The colonization of Australia began in 1788.

Convict settlements or penal colonies were started.

Prisoners were sent to these colonies from Britain.

Work in the penal colonies was difficult and the quality of life was poor.

Many worked from sunrise to sunset.

Convicts were given set rations (a fixed amount) to eat each day.

Most came to Australia as British conflicts.

A small number were free and came to start a new life.

These newcomers were often given FREE land by the British government.

Most newcomers did not understand the environment (land, climate, plants or animals - so starvation was a problem.

Another problem was conflict with the Aborigines (native Australians).

were forced off of their land.

had to completely change their lifestyle to adapt to the new land.

often had no access to food or water on their new land.

often died in battle trying to re-gain their land from the British.

often died by new diseases carried over by the British.