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One of the last expeditions of exploration financed by the French monarchy under the Ancien Regime, was that of opening up the South Pacific Ocean. Several Frenchmen were associated with this – namely de Bougainville, de Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, La Pérouse, Baudin etc. Their names are remembered in countless placenames in the South Pacific and Australia. So I have a few questions.

1. What would the results be of a French colonization of Australia/Oceania during the reign of Louis XVI or the Revolution?
2. Would it be possible?
3. Might Australia still serve as a penal colony (just under French rule rather than British)?
4. What would the results be for France having lost Quebec and their posts in India in the Seven Years’ War if they were to colonize Australia?
5. Would France be interested in colonizing Australia/Oceania?
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