Skip to main content

Almost a French Australia : French - British rivalry in the southern oceans

Bloomfield, Noelene2012
Book
In 1772 French explorer Saint Alouarn arrived on the west coast of Australia "Only a historical accident prevented Australia's settlement by the French, who persistently explored this region in fierce rivalry with the British, as both nations attempted to establish trade opportunities above and below the Equator. In a strategic battle with her perennial rival across the English Channel, France sent numerous scientific and commercial expeditions to the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the 1700s and 1800s, attempting to solve the mysteries of the legendary Terra Australis Incognita, and to locate suitable ports for trade below the Equator. Many French captains, officers, scientists and crew-members died from a variety of illnesses during these voyages and were unable to report their exciting discoveries directly to their King or Emperor. Given the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789 and its subsequent turmoil, this turn of events meant that France was not in a position to develop colonies in the southern oceans for many decades." --W. A. Museum website.
Clear current selections
items currently selected
View my active saved list
0 items in my active saved list