Question

Which of the following statements about the British colony in Australia is true? A. It was largely comprised of African slaves who were brought to Australia as part of the triangular trade system. B. It was established first as a penal colony and comprised mostly of convicts in the early years. C. It was established for British settlers in response to a devastating hurricane on the British Isles. D. It was first established as a stop along the dreaded “Middle Passage” route.

Answer 1

Answer: B. It was established first as a penal colony and comprised mostly of convicts in the early years.

Explanation:

In 1788 the British arrived in Australia to set up a penal colony for convicts that mostly committed relatively unserious crimes. This reduced the pressure on British jails and led to Australia's initial population being convicts.

More British people arrived however and five more colonies would later be formed in addition to the first one in the 1800s. Like the United States, these colonies formed the basis for states in the current Australian commonwealth.