WHY DID AUSTRALIANS ENLIST TO FIGHT IN WORLD WAR ONE?
CONTENT POINT:
An overview of the causes of the wars, why men enlisted and where Australians fought:
OUTCOME:
HT 5-5: Identify and evaluate the usefulness of sources in the historical inquiry process.
HT 5-7: Explain different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the modern world and Australia.
An overview of the causes of the wars, why men enlisted and where Australians fought:
- explain why Australians enlisted to fight in both wars.
OUTCOME:
HT 5-5: Identify and evaluate the usefulness of sources in the historical inquiry process.
HT 5-7: Explain different contexts, perspectives and interpretations of the modern world and Australia.
In June 1914 when the First World War began there was a great deal of anticipation and a rush to enlist in the armed forces. It was believed that men would go to war, do their duty, and the war would be over by Christmas. With this sentiment in the air
young men were eager to be involved and the enthusiastic reasons for enlisting were manifold:
young men were eager to be involved and the enthusiastic reasons for enlisting were manifold:
TO SERVE THE MOTHER COUNTRYIn the early 1900s Australia relied on Britain, as part of the British empire, and often sought advice and guidance from the 'Mother Country' in, for example, such areas as defense. Australia at this time was also very Anglo Celtic and a large percentage of the population were born in, or had families and ancestors from, the United Kingdom; they thought of themselves as British. Therefore, when war was declared many Australians felt it was their duty to fight for Britain and the
Empire to protect King and country. |
A SENSE OF ADVENTURE!At this time war was romanticised. Men felt that it would be a grand adventure and they would be able to prove themselves as men through their courage and bravery on the battlefield. They believed that the war would be over soon and that they would be invincible in the face of the enemy with the might of Britain behind them. The war would give them the opportunity to see the world and explore it with their mates; getting away from the monotony and hardships of everyday life at home.
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DESIRE TO DEFEAT THE ENEMY
The Australian media, just like the British, presented propaganda that conveyed the enemy as cruel, unfeeling, or even ridiculous. For example, Germans were often presented in the press as barbaric; brutally harming women and babies. This caused a great
deal of anger amongst the Australian public who now disliked anything remotely German. Men were eager to enlist to fight for what the believed in and defeat the foe. St Kilda Football club even changed their colours from that of the German flag to red, black and white! |
These sentiments for enlistment were presented in propaganda throughout the war to encourage Australians to continue to enlist and fight in The Great War.
READ MORE: Read the Skwirk Education resource page on this topic for more information and take notes.
To go to this page click here.
NOW THAT WE HAVE LEARNT ABOUT WHAT MOTIVATED AUSTRALIANS TO GO TO WAR IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT MADE THEM GO INTO A HARSH CONFLICT YET AGAIN IN WORLD WAR TWO:
READ MORE: Read the Skwirk Education resource page on this topic for more information and take notes.
To go to this page click here.
NOW THAT WE HAVE LEARNT ABOUT WHAT MOTIVATED AUSTRALIANS TO GO TO WAR IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT MADE THEM GO INTO A HARSH CONFLICT YET AGAIN IN WORLD WAR TWO:
