The National Archives Learning Curve | British Empire | Rise of the British Empire | Australia | Source 2

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	Extract from a letter written by James Cook on his exploration of Australia, 1770 (Catalogue ref: ADM 55/40 f.160)


	Study this source carefully. Different parts of the source will contain clues about why the British became empire builders in Australia. As you study the source, ask yourself:

	Where was Cook sailing? Why did Cook claim this land for Britain? (Compare this source with Cook's instructions in source 1 of this case study.) Do you get the impression he was pleased with what he had done? Would you say Cook was patriotic? What does this source suggest was Cook's main interest in travelling to Australia? What clues does this source provide about why the British became empire builders in Australia?


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