Australian colonization began in 1788 when the British established the first permanent settlement at Sydney Cove in New South Wales. This marked the start of British control over the continent, which was seen as a solution to overcrowded prisons in Britain. The British claimed the land under the doctrine of terra nullius, meaning "land belonging to no one," disregarding the existing Aboriginal populations. Over the following decades, more colonies were established across Australia, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The colonization process led to significant changes in the landscape, economy, and society, often resulting in the displacement and suffering of the Indigenous Australians.