"This study of British maritime and imperial expansion in the Indian and Pacific Oceans in the second half of the 18th century offers new perspectives on Pacific colonization, imperial planning, and the establishment of modern Australia. Discussed is the political origin of this colonization effort, begun when British politicians saw the opportunity to create a trans-Pacific trading empire and struggled to create the infrastructure necessary to support far-flung maritime activity. Historical research delves in-depth into the policy and implementation of colonization and the evolution of the contemporary idea that Pacific Rim countries will be an important economic area in the 21st century."