A Little Squadron Sails: The First Fleet

This course examines the 1787 voyage of the First Fleet and the establishment of the British colony in New South Wales under Governor Arthur Phillip. It explores the logistical, environmental, and social challenges faced by the settlers, including the difficult conditions aboard the fleet, early conflicts with Indigenous Australians, and the struggles to cultivate food and sustain the colony. Students will analyze key issues such as the colony’s reliance on imported supplies, the failed agricultural efforts, and the strategic significance of Norfolk Island. The course also delves into the evolving relationship between the settlers and the Indigenous population, highlighting how competition for resources and cultural misunderstandings escalated tensions. We will also explore the colony's evolution from an isolated penal colony to an emerging commercial hub, benefiting from increased Pacific trade and the strategic importance of Sydney Harbour during the Napoleonic Wars. Through primary sources and historical analysis, the course provides a comprehensive view of early colonial life, Phillip’s leadership, and the broader geopolitical significance of the colony during a time of European conflict and expansion. IN DEVELOPMENT: COURSE OVERVIEW ONLY