European+Settlement+of+Australia

=== Many explorers from various countries had sighted or landed in Australia well before Captain James Cook claimed it for Britain in 1770. There are at least three theories we are going to explore to explain why settlement of Australia was important. ===


 * Theory 1: A Dumping Ground for Prisoners**

Potted Summary of "Dumping Ground" Theory

Hulks as Temporary Prisons


 * Theory 2 : A Source for Shipbuilding Materials**


 * Theory 3: A Naval Base and Trade Route Strategy**


 * VICTORIAN SETTLEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT**