French WA

Good day.
When I was younger I heard that my own State, Western Australia, was settled because the French was on the verge of establishing their own colony. Given that this was a one off incident and I have never found any other record of it I have long since dissmissed it.
However I would like to know, it is plausable to have Western Australia, or at least the majority of the area that is Western Australia, to have been a French colony?
Would it have survived and become part of France proper as an overseas department, or if not how would have relations with the Commonwealth have progressed?

Have a nice day.
-MRegent
 
Last edited:
Let's say that the British decided to send their convicts to Das Volta Bay in Africa, as they originally planned, then that leaves no reason for the British to colonise Australia. The French claimed Western Australia as their own in OTL anyway, with no British presence it'll be easy for them to colonise Western Australia - or even all of Australia.
 
Largely unplausible. WA was the dark hole of the world at this time and nothing could interest settlers and eventual financers of such colonisation.

Maybe you could have one or two little settlements but they are doomed to fail. OTL, the french geographical expeditions gave room to Britain to push to the devellopment of Australia : "OMG, French R coming! ZERG Colniz!"
 
Top