The motivation that provoked the British to settle in Australia was to expand their empire. Historian’s opinions on why New South Wales was colonised in 1788 has changed over time due to the evidence that has been found. Historians originally thought that Australia was colonized as a ’dumping’ ground for convicts and place for them to be transported to, although through further evidence and changing views with historians, it gives us the different perspective that Australia was colonised for the expansion of the British Empire. This essay will argue that Australia was colonised to expand the Empire of the British people. Botany Bay provided good resources for them to use such as Flax and Timber used for making cloths and building ships. Botany