First Fleet
When did the First Fleet arrive in Australia?
Why did convicts come to Australia?
They committed a crime in England.
There wasn't enough space in the jails in England
What sorts of jobs did children have?
Cook, clean, fed animals, planted seeds, sewing, babysitters
Why did the First Settlers come to Australia?
For a new life
What were some of the reactions of Aboriginals meeting the First Settlers?
Shocked, scared, sad, worried, angry
What challenges did the First Fleet face on their journey to Australia?
The fleet faced rough seas, navigational challenges, and limited food supplies. Some convicts and crew members also suffered from illness.
What were some jobs the convicts did?
Built roads, built buildings, servants, cooks
What was life like for children who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788?
Life for children arriving with the First Fleet was difficult. They lived in harsh conditions, often in overcrowded and unsanitary environments. Many children were part of convict families and experienced the same challenges as their parents, including lack of food, illness, and limited opportunities for education.
Who were the free settlers that arrived in Australia in 1788?
Free settlers were individuals who voluntarily migrated to Australia, unlike convicts who were transported. They included men, women, and children who sought new opportunities, often due to land shortages, economic hardship, or the promise of a better life in the new colony.
What was the effect of disease on Aboriginal Australians after the arrival of the First Fleet?
Diseases brought by the British, such as smallpox, influenza, and measles, had a catastrophic effect on Aboriginal populations. It is estimated that up to 90% of the Aboriginal population may have been wiped out in some areas due to these diseases, which they had no immunity to.
How many ships were a part of the First Fleet?
11
What were the conditions like for the convicts on board the First Fleet ships?
Convicts faced harsh conditions on the ships, including cramped quarters, inadequate food, disease, and little personal freedom. Many convicts died during the journey.
How many children were on the First Fleet?
30
What kind of work did free settlers do once they arrived in Australia in 1788?
Free settlers typically worked as farmers, cultivating land and growing crops such as wheat, vegetables, and later, more specialized products like tobacco and cotton. Others took up trades such as carpentry, blacksmithing, and tailoring. Some settlers also worked in trade and business to support the growing settlement.
How many Aboriginal Australians were there in 1788?
It is estimated that there were between 300,000 and 750,000 Aboriginal Australians living on the continent at the time of European arrival in 1788. They lived in various regions across the country, from the coastal areas to the inland deserts.
How many people came on the First Fleet?
1400
How many convicts were a part of the First Fleet?
778
What were the main health challenges faced by children in the early settlement of Australia?
The main health challenges for children included malnutrition, diseases such as dysentery, smallpox, and scurvy, as well as poor sanitation and overcrowding. The lack of medical knowledge and resources made it difficult to care for sick children.
Did free settlers have access to education in Australia in 1788?
Education was very limited in the early years of the colony, and few free settlers had access to formal schooling. Most children learned basic skills like reading and writing from their parents or in informal settings. As the colony grew, education became more available, but it was not a priority in the initial years of settlement.
What was the role of women in Aboriginal societies before 1788?
In Aboriginal societies, women had significant roles, often responsible for gathering food, such as fruits, nuts, and tubers, and for childcare. Women also participated in social and ceremonial life, with some clans having specific ceremonies or rituals in which only women could participate. Women were crucial in maintaining family structures and passing down cultural knowledge.
How did the environment of Australia differ from what the settlers expected?
The settlers were unprepared for the harsh conditions in Australia, including the hot climate, unfamiliar wildlife, and lack of suitable resources in some areas
What happened to the convicts when they arrived in Australia?
Upon arrival, convicts were assigned to various tasks such as building the settlement, farming, and other labor. Some were put to work under the supervision of soldiers, while others were given land to work and possibly earn their freedom.
Did children have any rights or protections under British law in the early colony?
Children in the early colony had few rights or protections under British law. They were considered part of the convict system, and their welfare was generally not prioritized. There were no formal child protection laws, and children were often subject to the same harsh treatment as adults.
How did free settlers affect the environment of Australia?
Free settlers had a significant impact on the environment, particularly through farming and land clearing. Their cultivation of the land, introduction of European animals, and deforestation affected the natural landscape and disrupted local ecosystems, particularly impacting Indigenous lands.
What was the impact of British settlement on Aboriginal languages?
British settlement had a major impact on Aboriginal languages. As settlers established towns and farms, the use of Aboriginal languages declined. Many languages were lost or severely endangered due to the displacement of Aboriginal people, the destruction of their cultural practices, and the forced adoption of English. Today, many Aboriginal languages are extinct or at risk of extinction.