British Imperialism and Australia, 1783-1833: An Economic History of Australasia

British Imperialism and Australia (1939) explores the early economic history of Australia, which became a significant field of British Imperial development. However, war with revolutionary France interrupted the transportation of convicts and poor freemen, giving the scheme a different character than originally envisaged by Pitt and Sydney.

Format: Hardback
Length: 394 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The British Imperialism and Australia (1939) delves into the early economic history of Australia, which, towards the close of the period under examination, emerged as a significant sphere of British Imperial development. Despite the efforts of imperial architects to establish a peasant economy in New South Wales, a world away from their headquarters, the war with revolutionary France disrupted the transportation of convicts and impoverished freemen, resulting in a scheme that bore little resemblance to the original vision conceived by Pitt and Sydney.

The establishment of a peasant economy in New South Wales was an ambitious endeavor, initiated half a world away from the imperial architects. However, the war with revolutionary France posed significant challenges to this initiative. The transportation of convicts and poor freemen, crucial for the success of the scheme, was disrupted, altering the course of events. This disruption gave the scheme a distinct character that deviated from the original plans envisioned by Pitt and Sydney.

The war with revolutionary France had far-reaching consequences for the economic development of Australia. It disrupted the transportation of convicts and poor freemen, leading to a shortage of labor and a hindrance to the growth of the agricultural sector. Additionally, the conflict strained diplomatic relations between Britain and France, further complicating the imperial ambitions in the region.

Despite these challenges, the establishment of a peasant economy in New South Wales remained a significant milestone in the history of British Imperialism. It showcased the empire's ability to adapt and evolve in response to changing circumstances and demonstrated the enduring influence of British colonial policies on the economic and social landscape of Australia.

In conclusion, British Imperialism and Australia (1939) provides a valuable insight into the early economic history of Australia, highlighting the complexities and challenges faced by imperial architects in their efforts to establish a peasant economy in a distant colony. The war with revolutionary France disrupted the transportation of convicts and poor freemen, leading to a scheme that deviated from the original vision. However, the establishment of a peasant economy remained a significant milestone in the history of British Imperialism, showcasing the empire's adaptability and influence on the economic and social development of Australia.

Weight: 893g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032417936