WI: Louis de Bougainville established settlements in Australia?
Louis de Bougainville explored the Pacific region from 1766-67. He had previously established an outpost for France on the Falkland Island and during this expedition surveyed Tahiti and the Solomon Islands. My question is what if Bougainville had of reached Australia during this period? Could he claim it for France or establish a settlement?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Antoine_de_Bougainville
Louis de Bougainville explored the Pacific region from 1766-67. He had previously established an outpost for France on the Falkland Island and during this expedition surveyed Tahiti and the Solomon Islands. My question is what if Bougainville had of reached Australia during this period? Could he claim it for France or establish a settlement?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Antoine_de_Bougainville