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Why is Captain Cook known for discovering Australia?

Updated: 8/20/2019
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12y ago

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It is important to note that James Cook did not discover Australia. Lieutenant (later Captain) James Cook was simply the first European to record the discovery of the eastern coastline of Australia, in April 1770.

Although other expeditions have recently been uncovered which also record the discovery of Australia, this was the most well-known expedition for a long time (and the first British journey). The first undisputed sighting of and landing on Australia was much earlier, by Dutch navigator Willem Janszoon in March 1606.

The reason why Cook is often thought to have been the discoverer of Australia was because it was upon his recommendation that Australia was actually settled by the British. Cook charted the eastern coast of Australia, and he was the one who claimed it in the name of Great Britain in 1770, calling it New South Wales. He charted the east coast between April and August of that year. For these reasons, Cook is often wrongly credited with discovering Australia.

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Which continent was discovered by captain Cook?

Captain James Cook is credited with discovering Australia, which is part of the continent of Oceania. Cook arrived on the east coast of Australia in 1770 during his first voyage of exploration.


Who was given credit for discovering Hawaii?

Captain James Cook.


Why was Captain Cook given all the credit for discovering Australia?

James Cook, who was not even a captain when he charted Australia's eastern coast, was given the credit (incorrectly) for discovering Australia because it was upon his recommendation that Australia was actually settled by the British. Cook charted the eastern coast of Australia, and he was the one who claimed it in the name of Great Britain in 1770, calling it New South Wales. He charted the east coast between April and August of that year. For these reasons, Cook is often wrongly credited with discovering Australia. There were several Dutch and French explorers who landed on Australia's shores long before Cook even set sail, and Cook was not even the first Englishman to sight Australia, with that honour going to William Dampier. The Dutch did not make any formal claim to the continent, and the French claim was not substantiated. Because Australia had been settled by the British, and there was a continuing loyalty to the British, for years Australian schoolchildren were taught that Captain Cook discovered Australia.


Why do you acknowledge Captain Cook as Australia's discoverer?

James Cook, who was not even a captain when he charted Australia's eastern coast, was given the credit (incorrectly) for discovering Australia because it was upon his recommendation that Australia was actually settled by the British. Cook charted the eastern coast of Australia, and he was the one who claimed it in the name of Great Britain in 1770, calling it New South Wales. He charted the east coast between April and August of that year. For these reasons, Cook is often wrongly credited with discovering Australia. There were several Dutch and French explorers who landed on Australia's shores long before Cook even set sail, and Cook was not even the first Englishman to sight Australia, with that honour going to William Dampier. The Dutch did not make any formal claim to the continent, and the French claim was not substantiated. Because Australia had been settled by the British, and there was a continuing loyalty to the British, for years Australian schoolchildren were taught that Captain Cook discovered Australia.


What happen in 1770 in Australia?

1770 is regarded as a significant year for Australia because it was when James Cook (not yet a captain) became the first known European to sail up the eastern coast, charting it as he went. Because of Cook's favourable reports, this region which he claimed for England under the name of New South Wales, was recommended for settlement. (For this reason, Cook is often wrongly credited with "discovering" Australia.)


What day was captain cook born on?

Captain Cook was born on November 7, 1728. James Cook was a cartographer, Naval commander, and explorer. He is known for being the first European to have contact with Australia.


What year did Captain Cook discover Australia?

It is a common misconception that Captain Cook discovered Australia. He did not. The Australian continent had been populated by Aborigines for thousands of years, and visited by numerous Asian traders and, later, explorers since the first known European visitor in 1616. Captain James Cook was the first European to sight and chart the eastern coast of Australia, which he did between April and August 1770.


Why did Captain cook choose to stay in Western Australia?

Captain Cook never went anywhere near Western Australia.


Was Captain Cook the first governor of Australia?

No. Captain James Cook died nine years before Australia was colonised.


Did captain cook use desalination on his voyage to Australia?

did captain cook use desalization