Fin vs History Britain's Shiny New Pacific Toilet | Captain Cook & The First Fleet (Part 2)
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Nov 20, 2025 As the American War of Independence ignites, Britain searches for a new penal solution, leading them to explore Australia. Captain Cook's adventurous spirit takes center stage, from his Antarctic ambitions to his tumultuous encounters in Hawaii. Tensions rise as a stolen boat sparks conflict, culminating in Cook's dramatic death at Kealakekua Bay. The hosts unpack Cook's controversial legacy, weighing his exploration against colonial consequences, all while keeping the tone light and humorous. Ideal for history buffs with a twist!
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America's Loss Created Britain's Prison Problem
- Britain's loss of America in 1776 created a prison crisis that forced policymakers to find a new place to send convicts.
- This shortage directly motivated exploring and colonising distant territories like New South Wales.
West Africa Failed As A Penal Option
- Britain briefly considered settling convicts in West Africa, but malaria decimated those attempts.
- That failure redirected penal ambitions toward the Pacific.
Botany Used To Justify Colonisation
- Joseph Banks used botanical enthusiasm to argue Botany Bay was suitable for a penal colony.
- Science and empire mixed: plant studies became a justification for colonisation.