Question

Who did the story of Australia's rise begin with? When?

a) It began with James Cook in the 18th century
b) It began with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788
c) It began with the discovery of gold in 1851
d) It began with the first cricket test match in 1877

Answer 1

Australia's rise began with James Cook charting its eastern coast in 1770, leading to the settlement of the First Fleet in 1788.

Step-by-step explanation:

The story of Australia's rise began with British naval officer James Cook in the 18th century. Captain Cook commanded the Endeavour and mapped Australia's eastern coastline in 1770, making landfall at Botany Bay and claiming the area for Britain, which he named New South Wales.

This initiated the British interest in the region, especially as a solution to overcrowding in their prisons following the loss of the American colonies. This led to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, marking the establishment of the first European settlement in Australia.