Part 3/7:
Firstly, the British government had a pressing issue: an overflow of convicts. Previous settlements in North America were no longer an option due to political upheaval, and thus, Australia emerged as a suitable solution for relocating those prisoners.
Strategic Considerations
Secondly, Australia was seen as an advantageous base for the British Empire. Its geographic positioning provided strategic reach for intercepting rival shipping from French, Spanish, and Dutch territories, especially amidst increasing geopolitical tensions. This made Australia a tactical choice rather than an economic one, as resources were not the primary motivation behind the colonization.