'Our Country's Good' - Context

Question 1

When was it first Published and when was it set

Answer 1

• published: 1998

- set: Botany Bay, New South Wales 1787

Question 2

How many convicts were aboard the first fleet and how many were sent to Australia

Answer 2

• 548 male convicts and 188 female convicts

- 16,000 between 1787 and 1868

Question 3

Why was there an increase in crime

Answer 3

rapid increase of birth between 1750-1770 (population doubled) => lack of jobs meant an increase in crime in order to make a living and in retaliation the government increased the use of capital punishment

Question 4

Why did the British decide to transport convicts to Australia

Answer 4

due to the convict uprising aboard the hulks in 1786 where it was decided that they should be transported over seas

Question 5

Why did real-life convicts perform ‘The Recruiting Officer’

Answer 5

To commemorate the birthday of King George III

Question 6

How many people lived off crime and in what year

Answer 6

1 in 8 people in 1797