Which explorer claimed the eastern portion of Australia for Great Britain?

• A. Ferdinand Magellan
• B. Vitus Bering
• C. Captain James Cook
• D. Abel Tasman

Answer: (C)

When nations explored newly known lands, they often claimed them for their sovereigns after mapping and contact. Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage along the eastern Australian coast led to Britain’s claim over that region, as he landed and charted the coastline, naming the area New South Wales. This act established the basis for British sovereignty and later colonization of eastern Australia. Other explorers played different roles: Ferdinand Magellan is known for a global circumnavigation but not for claiming Australia for Britain; Vitus Bering explored areas for Russia; Abel Tasman, sailing for the Dutch, charted parts of the coast but claimed them for the Dutch rather than Britain.