Random Things About How Australia Became England's Penal Colony (16 items)

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  (#14) Most Australian Colonies Were Largely Self-Governing

  Unlike prior British settlements, most Australian colonies were largely self-governing beginning in the mid-19th century. However, the colonies still had to pay taxes to the British Empire, including the maintenance of penal colonies.

  Australia was also still under the legislative power of the British Parliament throughout the 1800s. While there were moments of tension between England and the various Australian colonies, most issues were ironed out with time, leading to a generally friendly relationship between the two countries.
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  (#16) The Statute Of Westminster Established Australia As An Autonomous Community Within The British Empire

  Although Australia established itself as one nation with a federal government, it was still a dominion of the British Empire. In 1931, the Statute of Westminster provided some clarity for both nations. Under this statute, Australia was established as an independent nation equal to Britain with a common allegiance to the Crown. In other words, Australia was granted full autonomy as a sovereign nation, with no need to abide by British laws now or in the future.

  Australia remains a member of the Commonwealth today. In this way, the country maintains ties to Britain while still maintaining its independence. 
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  (#12) 1840 Was The Beginning Of The End Of Convict Transportation

  As Australia gained more settlers and an increased sense of independent rule, conflict arose regarding convict transportation. Many settlers didn't believe in transportation and disputed the idea that their tax dollars be used for the process. At the same time, England's opinion on punishment shifted yet again. It stopped believing in the ultimate power of transportation and grew uncomfortable with the way many convicts were treated when assigned to private employers.

  To end the maltreatment of convicts, England abolished convict transportation to private employers in 1840. That choice essentially ended convict transportation altogether, though it was officially eliminated in most Australian states in 1852. During that time, Western Australian colonists instructed the government to send convicts to their settlement. The process continued for 16 more years, until convict transportation ended across Australia in 1868.
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  (#13) The Australian Gold Rush Led To A Population Boom

  Migration to Australia surged in the 1850s when gold was discovered in Victoria. At that time, gold seekers around the world poured into the country, boosting Australia's population and economy in the process.

  The Australian population quadrupled during that time, and the country's exports expanded immensely. By 1891, the country was a lead exporter in wool, mutton, dairy products, and wheat. In addition, the population expanded from 430,000 in 1851 to 3 million in 1891.
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  (#15) Australian Colonies United In 1901 And The Commonwealth Of Australia Was Established

  Australian colonies were largely self-governing because interests across the colonies differed immensely. Each settlement had different priorities, leading to general distrust among the colonists. Between 1860 and 1900, the colonies barely interacted with each other. However, the desire for a united federation grew over time, and in 1901 the colonies finally banded together into one nation - the Commonwealth of Australia. 

  Under this new system, the colonies transformed into states united under one federal government. The Commonwealth government was in charge of defense, immigration, customs, marriage, and external affairs. Beyond that, each state had power to make its own laws. 
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  (#2) Transporting Convicts To New Countries Allowed England To Build Up Overseas Colonies

  Although transporting convicts out of the country allowed England to rid its population of the so-called "criminal class," it also served another purpose. By sending convicts to newly established overseas colonies, England expanded its realm of control without sacrificing members of its law-abiding citizenry. 

  Creating new settlements demanded hard work. Convicts provided sorely needed labor for British colonies that allowed overseas communities to grow and thrive. It was a win-win scenario for England - it rid itself of supposedly harmful individuals while still employing its convicts as valuable resources necessary to expand the English empire. 

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