The transportation of convicts from England to Australia was a significant chapter in the history of both countries. Between 1787 and 1868, over 165,000 convicts were transported to Australia from England. The primary reason for the transportation of convicts was to relieve the overcrowding of prisons in England and to provide labor for the British colonies. The convict transportation system had a significant impact on the development of Australia, its society, and its culture.

The transportation of convicts to Australia began in 1787, with the departure of the First Fleet from England. The fleet consisted of 11 ships, which carried over 700 convicts, along with their guards and other personnel. The destination was Botany Bay, which had been identified as a suitable site for a penal colony. However, upon arrival, it was found that the site was unsuitable for settlement, and the colony was relocated to Sydney Cove.

The transportation of convicts to Australia continued throughout the 19th century, with the majority of convicts being sent to New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). The convicts were mainly transported for crimes such as theft, fraud, and assault, but also for more serious offenses such as murder.

The transportation of convicts was not without controversy, and many people objected to the practice. One of the main objections was that it was seen as a way for the British government to get rid of its unwanted criminals and to use them as cheap labor in the colonies. Another objection was that the transportation of convicts could lead to the spread of crime and disease in the colonies.

Despite these objections, the transportation of convicts continued for many years, and it had a significant impact on the development of Australia. One of the most significant impacts was the labor provided by the convicts. Convicts were used for a variety of tasks, including building infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, and working on farms and in mines.

The labor provided by the convicts was essential for the development of the colonies, and without it, progress would have been much slower. However, the use of convict labor was also controversial, as it was seen as a form of slavery, and many convicts were subjected to harsh conditions and mistreatment.

The transportation of convicts also had a significant impact on Australian society and culture. Many convicts went on to become successful members of society, and their descendants played a significant role in the development of the country. However, the legacy of the transportation of convicts also includes the social stigma attached to being descended from a convict, which persists to this day.

The transportation of convicts to Australia was a controversial policy at the time, and its success is difficult to measure. However, it did serve its primary purpose of relieving the overcrowding of prisons in England and providing labor for the British colonies in Australia.

The transportation of convicts also had a significant impact on the development of Australia, providing much-needed labor for the colonies and contributing to the growth of the country's infrastructure, agriculture, and mining industries.

However, the use of convict labor was also controversial, and many convicts were subjected to harsh conditions and mistreatment. The transportation of convicts also had negative consequences, including the spread of crime and disease in the colonies and the social stigma attached to being descended from a convict.

As for the number of convicts who returned to England, the records are not clear. Some convicts were given a pardon or had their sentences commuted, and they were allowed to return to England. Others may have returned to England after serving their sentences or after being released from penal colonies.

However, the majority of convicts who were transported to Australia remained in the colonies, as it was difficult and expensive to travel back to England. The transportation of convicts was often seen as a one-way trip, and many convicts spent the rest of their lives in Australia, where they went on to become successful members of society and to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

In conclusion, the transportation of convicts from England to Australia was a significant chapter in the history of both countries. The transportation of convicts was driven by the need to relieve the overcrowding of prisons in England and to provide labor for the British colonies. The practice had a significant impact on the development of Australia, providing much-needed labor, but also raising controversy over the use of convict labor and the spread of crime and disease. The legacy of the transportation of convicts continues to influence Australian society and culture to this day.