Who inspired Matthew Flinders to be an explorer?

Answer 1

The practical reason for Matthew Flinders's voyages was to chart the Australian coastline and fill in the gaps left by previous English and Dutch explorers. This was the task for which he was commissioned.

Personally, however, while Matthew Flinders was inspired by reports of Captain James Cook's voyages, it was after reading Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" that he decided he wanted to be an explorer and sailor.

Answer 2

Matthew Flinders circumnavigated Australia, meaning he explored the coastline, for the purpose of filling in the gaps of the charts and maps made by previous explorers. In doing so, he was to note any other sites that might be used for future colonies.

Answer 3

Matthew Flinders did not 'need' to circumnavigate Australia, but he chose to, because he was an adventurer by nature, and he wanted to determine if the continent of Australia was divided by a large gulf of strait into smaller islands, Flinders's main voyage charted the Australian coastline and filled in the gaps left by previous English and Dutch explorers. It was significant for improving the knowledge of the Australian continent. In completing the circumnavigation, he was to note any other sites that might be used for future colonies - which he did, namely, South Australia.

Answer 4

The practical reason for Matthew Flinders's voyages was to chart the Australian coastline and fill in the gaps left by previous English and Dutch explorers. This was the task for which he was commissioned.

Personally, however, while Matthew Flinders was inspired by reports of Captain James Cook's voyages, it was after reading Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe" that he decided he wanted to be an explorer and sailor.