Why Britain colonised in 1788
Explain the causes of the establishment of the first British colony in Australia in 1788, such as overcrowded British prisons and prison hulks, the loss of the American colonies as a destination for convicts, and strategic and trade interests following James Cook's 1770 voyage
Entire curriculum
1858 concepts · 9 subjects
Share and support
Compare teaching approaches
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
A family-ready teaching guide is not ready for Why Britain colonised in 1788 yet. The topic description is not today’s Activity.
Guide not ready. Do not treat the Marble description or learning objective as the Activity.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
National Geographic Kids · Practice link — not the full lesson
History
Before you open · source notes
History supports Why Britain colonised in 1788. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.
Free educational page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public National Geographic Kids page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
National Geographic Kids. “History.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Explain why British prisons and prison hulks were overcrowded in the 1780s and why transportation was used as a punishment
- Explain how the American War of Independence ended the transportation of convicts to America
- Describe other reasons Britain chose New South Wales, such as Cook's 1770 claim, a base in the Pacific and resources such as timber and flax, using a source as evidence
“Can your child explain why Britain sent the First Fleet of convicts to Australia in 1788 — like overcrowded prisons and no longer being able to send convicts to America?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- History
- Domain
- Modern History
- Age range
- Ages 9–10
Standards