Table of Contents
What was life like in Australia before the British arrived?
Australia was a harsh and unfamiliar environment, with its hot climate and weird animals. Then there was the brutal discipline of the convict colonies. The evidence suggests that Van Diemen’s Land was run more harshly than New South Wales.
How was Australia colonized by the British?
The process of colonisation began in 1788. A fleet of 11 ships, containing 736 convicts, some British troops and a governor set up the first colony of New South Wales. It was an incredibly risky idea. By colonising Australia Britain gained an important base for its ships in the Pacific Ocean.
What was life like in ancient Australia?
They lived in small communities and survived by hunting and gathering. The men would hunt large animals for food and women and children would collect fruit, plants and berries. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities only used the land for things that they needed – shelter, water, food, weapons.
How many people lived in Australia before the British arrived?
Dispossession, disease and direct conflict. Prior to British settlement, more than 500 Indigenous groups inhabited the Australian continent, approximately 750,000 people in total. [1] Their cultures developed over 60,000 years, making Indigenous Australians the custodians of the world’s most ancient living culture.
When did the Aboriginal people arrive in Australia?
The History of Australia refers to the history of the area and people of the Commonwealth of Australia and its preceding Indigenous and colonial societies. Aboriginal Australians arrived on the Australian mainland by sea from Maritime Southeast Asia between 40,000 and 70,000 years ago.
How did the British come to Australia after World War 2?
Although the majority of British migrants came to Australia on assisted passage schemes during the period, a number also organised their own accommodation and employment, paying the full fare for their journey.
When was Australia first discovered by the British?
Early Australia Australia was first discovered by the British between 1768 and 1779 by Captain James Cook. During that time, around 750,00 natives lived there. When the British arrived, they brought new diseases and animals that disrupted their way of life. the number of natives dropped by 90% by 1920.