The Heads of a Plan document is a key primary source in determining why Britain founded the NSW colony. What does this document tell us about the rationale to establish a European settlement in Australia?

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        HIST150        Assignment 1, 8 April 2011


CONTENT


  1. ESSAY QUESTION

The Heads of a Plan document is a key primary source in determining why Britain founded the NSW colony. What does this document tell us about the rational to establish a European settlement in Australia?

  1. INTRODUCTION

The ‘Heads of a Plan’ is an undated and anonymous document supposedly written in the year 1786. It was attached to a letter in which Lord Sydney who was Home Secretary in the government of William Pitt informs the Treasury of the government’s decision to establish a penal settlement at Botany Bay. The ‘Heads of a Plan’ briefly outlines the reasons for establishing the convict colony in Australia and even though it seems as if it would be straightforward, there have always been debates about what this document really tells. Some believe the reason indeed was to solve the problem of the overcrowded prisons in Britain which had been growing due to the loss of the American colony after War of Independence. Others, on the contrary, do not support the traditional argument but believe that there was more behind the decision to colonize such a baron, remote and greatly unknown land. The possible motives are either of commercial, strategic or military nature. This essay will focus in particular on the two dominant theories concerning the establishment of the colony as well as on the arguments for both of them, delivered through an analysis of the crucial document ‘Heads of a Plan’.


  1. POINTS TO DISCUSS

There have been two different theories about the reasons for establishing a colony in Australia. The first one agreeing with the official reason and the second one believing there would be an underlying reason; this could be either commercial, strategic or military benefits. Explain both of them in detail and mention some of the defenders and opponents of each of the theories.

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Blainey’s theory. He rejects the official reason since he believes that Australia was too far away for such a project and the costs would had been too high. Consequently, his opinion is that the major motives for the establishment of the settlement were timber and flax. Outline his theory in detail; argue with given examples from the final paragraphs of the document ‘Heads of a Plan’, as well as from Matra’s proposal and the instructions sent to Governor Phillip.

Abbott’s interpretation of the document. He supports the official reason. Describe his theory and compare his interpretation to other ...

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