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Migration to Australia, the Transition from Sail to Steam, and the SS Great Britain

Author

Listed:
  • Hatton, Timothy J.

    (University of Essex)

Abstract

The transition from sail to steam for emigrant ships on the route to Australia took place in the early 1880s, nearly two decades later than on the route across the Atlantic. The lag can be accounted for by the incremental improvement in steam technology and by aspects of economic and business organisation. Most of the steamship ventures that were initiated failed, but with one important exception. Brunel’s pioneering steamship the SS Great Britain made 32 voyages to Australia from 1852 to 1875 with a total of nearly 16,000 passengers. The Great Britain’s success provides a unique perspective on why steam failed to rule the emigrant trade until the 1880s. Among the key features are the characteristics of the ship and the way it was adapted for the long voyage to the antipodes. Also important was the shrewd management of its owners, and an element of luck.

Suggested Citation

  • Hatton, Timothy J., 2025. "Migration to Australia, the Transition from Sail to Steam, and the SS Great Britain," IZA Discussion Papers 17926, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17926
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    shipping organisation; steamships; colonial Australia;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • N77 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - Africa; Oceania
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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