1788: Still No British!

Say it's colonised by France. Louis XVI supports Maupeou's reforms, successfully reforms the tax system, and uses the money that was IOTL allocated for winning the war of the Anglo-American colonies' rebellion for the establishment of an Australian colony, which is used as a penal colony and as a forward base for gobbling up Indian Ocean ports and Pacific islands. The hope is to gain a strategic position to recover India while the British are bogged down in colonial troubles. To support this goal, France launches an expedition against the Cape that concludes in the conquest of South Africa.

Meanwhile, England defeats the rebels at last, with the war dragging into the late 1780's. France and Spain give minor support to the rebels but France does not heavily involve itself, unlike OTL. The English hold is tenuous and looks like it could result in another fight. France has strengthened her position in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific in the interim, and has invested significantly in a navy that could compete with the English.

By 1790, France has its eyes on an Indian assault, while the mood is sensitive in North America. England is low on funds and has to strengthen its colonial garrisons to keep its North American interests. France, by contrast, is riding on a wave of recovery, with a strong navy and a growing revenue stream.

The cliché, then, is some kind of Jacobin revolution in the colony or some such. Perhaps something else could be tried.
 
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TFSmith121

Banned
Having been to both (east and north coasts), I agree, but

The Dutch were uninterested in the colonization of Australia, they could have easily done long before the British but the northern shore isn't as appealing as the eastern shore (Which Cook explored).

Having been to both (east and north coasts), I agree, but if the British are off focused on India and the Cape, for example, and the French start thinking "hey, this place is warmer than Canada" then the Dutch might plant a few flags just for perimeter security, more or less.

It's a big continent, so it's not like they're going to stumble over each other ... heck, the Spanish and Portuguese might even take a shot, at least until the Anglo-French death match starts.

Plus, as lovely a place to visit as it is, the food is, um, uninspired? Many variations on "meat, two veg"...

Whereas the French and Dutch tend to eat and drink better, in my experience.

Best,
 
The french were not known for providing an adequate reason for their citizens to emigrate. It would take a sea change in policy changes to encourage this. High taxes, no substantive increases in freedoms, etc.
 

TFSmith121

Banned
True, but there was always the chance to shortsheet the British

The french were not known for providing an adequate reason for their citizens to emigrate. It would take a sea change in policy changes to encourage this. High taxes, no substantive increases in freedoms, etc.

True, but there was always the chance to shortsheet the British...

Amd there's something of a settler tradition, as witness Acadie (before the British imposed their own version of the Trail of Tears), Quebec, Algerie, and Nouvelle Caledonie...

And they could always use it as a penal colony; worked for the British.;)

Best,
 
Say it's colonised by France. Louis XVI supports Maupeou's reforms, successfully reforms the tax system, and uses the money that was IOTL allocated for winning the war of the Anglo-American colonies' rebellion for the establishment of an Australian colony, which is used as a penal colony and as a forward base for gobbling up Indian Ocean ports and Pacific islands. The hope is to gain a strategic position to recover India while the British are bogged down in colonial troubles. To support this goal, France launches an expedition against the Cape that concludes in the conquest of South Africa.

Meanwhile, England defeats the rebels at last, with the war dragging into the late 1780's. France and Spain give minor support to the rebels but France does not heavily involve itself, unlike OTL. The English hold is tenuous and looks like it could result in another fight. France has strengthened her position in the Indian Ocean and South Pacific in the interim, and has invested significantly in a navy that could compete with the English.

By 1790, France has its eyes on an Indian assault, while the mood is sensitive in North America. England is low on funds and has to strengthen its colonial garrisons to keep its North American interests. France, by contrast, is riding on a wave of recovery, with a strong navy and a growing revenue stream.

The cliché, then, is some kind of Jacobin revolution in the colony or some such. Perhaps something else could be tried.

The area of Australia that can foster a decent settlement is roughly 5,000 miles from the tip of India. Why would this be a sensible place to launch an attack from?
 

TFSmith121

Banned
Chocolate? Coffee? Beer?

Dutch food is just as uninspired as English food. Any Dutch food you may have found superior is likely a foreign import. ;)

Perhaps, but:

Chocolate? Coffee? Beer?;)

The last time I was there on business, the farm-to-table fruit and vegetables were very good. Dairy, as well.

Best,
 
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