Part 5/7:

The accretion of power dynamics in Europe, particularly due to the upheavals during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, reshuffled the interests of European nations. As Britain secured settlements in response to potential French colonial pursuits, it effectively stifled any opposition.

Decline of Other Powers

Countries like Spain and Portugal were in decline, grappling with bankruptcy, which further dampened their interest in Australian lands. Meanwhile, the Dutch were preoccupied with regaining lost prestige and territories, focusing more on regions like Indonesia than on the Australian coastline.