Why were English criminals brought to the American colonies?

1 Answer
t0hierry · Sim W.
Apr 5, 2017

The number of offenses for which punishment by death was too severe in Great Britain lead to the penal transportation act of 1717.

Explanation:

Penal transportation, often for a period of seven years, was seen as a form of pardon. It allowed British society to be protected from criminals while giving them a chance to redeem themselves. France also sent its criminal to Devil's Island.

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