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How can you not give a mention to Australia :)-
Australia became a commonwealth of the British Empire in 1901. It
was able to quickly develop its agricultural and manufacturing
industries and to make a big contribution to the British effort in
World Wars I and II. A referendum to change Australia's status, from
a commonwealth headed by the British monarch to an independent
republic, was defeated in 1999.
Australia's Past, convicts..
Western Australia began its life as a free colony in 1829 and it was
not until its 21st birthday in 1850 that the convict labour it
sought to bolster its flagging economy finally arrived. Its first
taste of convict life was really in 1827 when a small party of
soldiers and convicts arrived from Sydney to establish a British
presence in the region amidst fears of French occupation.
In all, around 9,720 British convicts were sent directly to the
colony in 43 ships between 1850-1868. Thirty seven of the voyages
carried large numbers of prisoners from England. The remaining six
ships brought smaller cargoes of military prisoners from amongst the
ranks of British troops serving in India.
One of many locations
Fremantle, was established on 2 May 1829 when Captain Charles Howe
Fremantle formally took possession of the whole of the west coast of
New Holland in the name of His Britannic Majesty and the Union Jack
was hoisted on the south head of the river.
Commonwealth Staking Claims
Medievalism Columbus
Captain Cook Australia
Commonwealth Countries |
