Penal Colony
A settlement used to hold prisoners and use them for working in a remote location
Real World Example
During the period of New Global Patterns from 1800-1915, penal colonies were used by countries like Britain to send prisoners far away, such as to Australia, to reduce overcrowding in local jails and provide cheap labor. This approach was important because it helped countries manage their criminal populations while also expanding their territories and developing remote areas. Penal colonies responded to issues of crime, punishment, and economic expansion by turning prisoners into workers who contributed to building new settlements. Today, the idea of using labor as a form of punishment continues in modern-day prison systems, where inmates often work while serving their sentences. This concept matters because it raises questions about human rights and the ethical treatment of prisoners, impacting how society views rehabilitation and justice, which can affect people if they know someone in prison or are involved in criminal justice reform.
