alternatehistory.com

IOTL the first major colonization effort in Australia began with the founding of a penal colony in 1788. The purpose of this colony was to replace former British colonies in North America as a dumping ground for convicts, since the newly formed United States was not interested in accepting them.

So what if there was no American Revolution, or a British victory, and thus the American colonies remain a viable option to send criminals to? How would Australia develop without the First Fleet and mass deportations? Would Britain still take control of the whole continent, or might other European powers get a piece? Would Australia still end up developing as an essentially whites only settler colony, or might the lack of deportees result in colonial powers looking for workers elsewhere and dramatically changing the ethnic makeup of the continent?

Thoughts?
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