Until 1782, English convicts were transported to America. However, in 1783 the American War of Independence ended. America refused to accept any more convicts so England had to find somewhere else to send their prisoners. Transportation to New South Wales was the solution. read more
British convicts were traditionally transported to the American colonies or the Caribbean, which was one of the discontents of the colonists leading to the War of Independence. read more
Convicts were sent on the First Fleet to Australia to alleviate difficulties in Great Britain. Conditions in England in the 18th century were tough:. read more