In 1788, ships known as The First Fleet transported convicts from England to establish a penal colony in Australia. The fleet consisted of 11 ships, including two naval vessels, six convict transports, and three supply ships. Led by Captain Arthur Phillip, the fleet set sail from Portsmouth, England on May 13, 1787, and arrived at Botany Bay, Australia on January 18, 1788.

The decision to establish a settlement in Australia was made due to the overcrowding of British prisons and the need for a new penal colony. The convicts aboard The First Fleet were mostly petty criminals and political prisoners, with the majority being men. They were sent to Australia to serve out their sentences and help establish a new colony in the distant land.

Upon arrival in Australia, Captain Phillip decided that Botany Bay was not suitable for settlement due to a lack of fresh water and poor soil. The fleet then sailed north and established the colony of Sydney Cove, which later became the city of Sydney. The convicts were put to work clearing land, building shelters, and planting crops to establish the new settlement.

Over the years, The First Fleet and the convicts aboard played a crucial role in the early development of Australia. They helped build roads, bridges, and buildings, and their labor laid the foundation for the future growth of the colony. The descendants of the convicts aboard The First Fleet went on to become some of Australia's first settlers and helped shape the country's culture and identity.

Today, The First Fleet is remembered as a significant event in Australian history. It marked the beginning of European settlement in Australia and had a lasting impact on the country's development. The ships that transported the convicts in 1788 are now considered a symbol of Australia's colonial past and serve as a reminder of the hardships endured by the early settlers.

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