Australia and World War I – Part 1 By S. Angelo Head Teacher History East Hills Girls Technology High School 2007

In this unit you will develop: a knowledge and understanding of  significant developments in Australia’s social, political and cultural history,  Australia’s international relationships  the changing rights and freedoms of Aboriginal peoples and other groups in Australia

FOCUS QUESTIONS  Why did Australia become involved in World War I?  What were the experiences of Australians in the Gallipoli campaign?  How and why was the Anzac legend created?  What was the impact of World War I on the Australian home front 1914–18?

Why did Australia become involved in World War I?  Australia as a member of the British Empire and Australia’s regional context – Constitutional powers – Close connections with Britain – Cultural connection – Loyalty – Australia was a large relatively isolated country

Constitutional Powers  The Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act – The Federal Commonwealth would be under the power of the ‘Crown of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland’ What do you think this meant for Australians?

Close connections with Britain  Lord Hopetoun was the first Governor General – he was British  The Head of State was the Queen/King of England  The highest court was the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London  Australia did not have its own foreign policy  Academic qualifications were determined by English or Scottish universities

Cultural Connection  The majority of white Australians had a British background  The celebration of Federation was British in every way except for the setting

Loyalty  The National Anthem was God Save the Queen/King – the British Anthem  Medals for awards were British  The Australian flag has the British Union Jack in the corner  Australia fought in overseas wars under British commanders – 1885 – Sudan - Africa – 1899 – 1902 – Boer War in South Africa  Some people, however, did not think that we should just continue following British military traditions (Henry Lawson, Bulletin, Sydney 1890)

Australia was a large relatively isolated country

Homework  Write about 150 – 200 words describing why Australia became involved in World War 1. You must include specific details.