Was the First Fleet mission a success?

Did the First Fleet establish the colony Britain intended, and was the mission successful?

It established an organized, viable colony, although not exactly the settlement planners intended. Its larger strategic value is presented as a long-term judgment.

The expedition succeeded in establishing an organized, viable colony, although it was not exactly the settlement planners had intended. The strategic payoff is presented as a long-term interpretation rather than an immediate result. In this assessment, Australia's value to the British Empire became increasingly apparent during the world wars and reached its greatest importance in 1941 and 1942. Australia, together with India and Burma, helped anchor the British position against further Japanese expansion and reduced pressure approaching through the Indian Ocean or toward the Suez Canal. The comparison with the time needed to grow oak for a ship of the line emphasizes the century-scale horizon of the argument.