Colonization of Australia

Which European country first discovered Australia and what did they name it?

• Spain, New Spain

• The United Kingdom, New Britain

• The Netherlands, New Holland

• France, New France

Why did the Dutch East India Company decide against colonizing Australia?

• There were no known resources and few indigenous people

• They were deterred by British naval power

• They found it too far from Europe

• They were focused on colonizing Africa

What was one of the main reasons Britain decided to colonize Botany Bay?

• To find gold and other precious metals

• To establish a new trade route to Asia

• To send convicts and relieve overcrowded prisons

• To convert indigenous people to Christianity

How did the British view the strategic importance of Australia?

• As a convenient location for raiding other European shipping

• As a new market for British goods

• As a place to establish a new monarchy

• As a base for scientific research

Why did other European powers not challenge British control over Australia?

• They were deterred by British military presence and internal issues

• They had treaties with the British

• They were focused on colonizing the Americas

• They believed Australia was too barren