Hope in hell
Transportation of convicts, slavery and ‘indentured’ (contracted) labour were three equally brutal and oppressive systems put in place to sweep large numbers of captive workers away from home, usually across the seas. A combination of discipline, terror, punishment and reward made unwilling workers obedient and productive, but also brought unspeakable misery and suffering to millions.
Penal transportation, unlike slavery and indentured labour, was intended both to rid the British population of criminals and develop colonial outposts. And however uncertain and unfair their sentences, transported convicts might have a future. For those sent to Australia there was a glimmer of hope in hell.
Having served their time, convicts in Australia were given the unusual opportunity of becoming law-abiding citizens in the society they had helped to establish. This gave them an influence on the cultures, attitudes and traditions of Australian life.
It is only in recent years, however, that Australia has come to terms with its convict origins. The once carefully hidden history is now openly explored. The World Heritage listing of Australian convict sites aims to further unchain the country's convict past.
Penal transportation, unlike slavery and indentured labour, was intended both to rid the British population of criminals and develop colonial outposts. And however uncertain and unfair their sentences, transported convicts might have a future. For those sent to Australia there was a glimmer of hope in hell.
Having served their time, convicts in Australia were given the unusual opportunity of becoming law-abiding citizens in the society they had helped to establish. This gave them an influence on the cultures, attitudes and traditions of Australian life.
It is only in recent years, however, that Australia has come to terms with its convict origins. The once carefully hidden history is now openly explored. The World Heritage listing of Australian convict sites aims to further unchain the country's convict past.