Citizenship› Part 1› Early European Settlement
Part 1 · Sub-section 2 of 8

Early Days of European Settlement

Following the deep history of the First Nations peoples, the next major chapter in Australia's modern history began with the arrival of the British. You must know the exact dates, names, and reasons for this settlement for your citizenship exam.

The Arrival of the First Fleet

European settlement in Australia officially began when the first 11 ships from Great Britain arrived. This group of ships is known as the First Fleet.

The First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in New South Wales on 26 January 1788. This specific date is extremely important, as it is celebrated today as a public holiday: Australia Day.

The fleet was commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip. Because of his leadership, he became the very first Governor of the colony of New South Wales.

Key Fact: The First Fleet arrived from Great Britain on 26 January 1788, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, who became the first Governor of New South Wales.

A Penal Colony

When Great Britain established the colony in New South Wales, it was not initially built as a free society or a trading hub. It was established as a penal colony.

A penal colony is a harsh settlement used to exile prisoners and separate them from the general population. Great Britain sent convicts to Australia because their own prisons back home were overcrowded.

However, alongside the convicts, the First Fleet also brought free settlers, marines, and their families, who helped build the early foundations of the new society.

The Impact on Indigenous Peoples

The arrival of European settlers had a profound and devastating impact on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who had lived on the land for over 65,000 years.

The early British settlement brought new diseases, which decimated the Indigenous populations who had no natural immunity to them. It also led to violent conflict and the tragic loss of their traditional lands and way of life.

Key Fact: European settlement had a devastating impact on Indigenous populations, primarily through the introduction of new diseases and the loss of their land.

Key Points to Remember

Quick Check

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Question 1 of 5
When did the First Fleet arrive in Australia?
Why it matters: 26 January 1788 is the exact date the First Fleet arrived from Great Britain. This date is celebrated annually as Australia Day.
Question 2 of 5
Who was the commander of the First Fleet?
Why it matters: Captain Arthur Phillip commanded the 11 ships of the First Fleet and subsequently became the very first Governor of the New South Wales colony.
Question 3 of 5
Why did Great Britain establish the first settlement in New South Wales?
Why it matters: Because British prisons were overcrowded, the colony was initially established as a penal (prison) colony to hold convicts.
Question 4 of 5
What impact did early European settlement have on Indigenous peoples?
Why it matters: The arrival of the British brought foreign diseases to which Indigenous people had no immunity, leading to a devastating loss of life and traditional lands.
Question 5 of 5
Where did the First Fleet come from?
Why it matters: The First Fleet, comprising 11 ships, set sail from Great Britain.

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