Transportation to Australia

• What was the primary reason for the shift from capital punishment to transportation and imprisonment in the late 18th century?

  Many people believed criminals should have a chance to reform themselves
• Why did Britain consider Australia a suitable alternative for transportation after losing its American colonies?

  Australia was claimed by Britain in 1770 and provided a new location for transportation
• What was one reason transportation to Australia increased during this period?

  It was an alternative to building new prisons
• How long could the journey to Australia take for transported prisoners?

  Three months
• What conditions did prisoners face during their journey to Australia?

  They were kept below deck in cramped, dirty conditions
• What type of work were prisoners usually assigned to in Australia?

  They were set to work for free settlers
• Why did most prisoners not return home after their 7-year sentence?

  Most could not afford to return home
• When did transportation to Australia end?

  1868
• What was one reason free settlers in Australia opposed ex-convicts?

  They believed ex-convicts were responsible for high crime levels
• Why was transportation no longer seen as a deterrent in Australia?

  Australia was becoming too desirable
• What was one reason public executions ended in 1868?

  Hangings were treated as festive occasions and often caused more crime
• How did the behavior of crowds during public executions contribute to their end?

  Crowds were often drunk, disorderly, and mocked the authorities
• What connection can be made between the end of public executions and the perception of crime in society?

  Public executions did not seem to deter crime and were associated with disorder