The journey into Empire continues as we look at Tasmania, known as Van Diemen’s Land. Here the European settlers, the indigenous people, the convict system, the bush rangers, the lure of food, the battle for land, resulted in war, conquest and genocide. The birth pang of a new world was one of agony, yet the future of a unique culture and the amazing beauty of the island were in stark contrast to the declared British ambition of making it the ultimate penal hell. Join me for the complex and painful settlement of Tasmania, and its incorporation into the Empire.

• This episode covers

• Guest promo and thank you’s.

• The brief history of Tasmania and the amazing geograph and ecosystem.

• Settlement and strategic necessity – keeping the French out.

• First contact goes wrong – the Risdon Cove Massacre.

• Mad Tom loves a drink.

• Governor Sorrell vs the outlaws.

• The sad death of the Tasmanian Whisky Industry – murdered in 1839

• The Black War begins – the stage is set for genocide.

• Tools of the trade – muskets & raiding.

• A terrible place for a soldier – why colonial Van Diemen’s Land was feared.

• What was left after? A land of possibilities.

• The forgotten – listening to the descendants.

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