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Australian Attitudes Towards Ww1

Decent Essays

World War One began in 1914 and it started with the assassination of the archduke of Austria-Hungary by a Serb. Austria-Hungary then declared war on Serbia, to which Serbia responded by turning to Russia for support. Eventually after many alliances there were two distinct sides, one on which was Britain. Britain, of course, being Australia's 'mother country' called on Australians for their support. There were drastic changes in Australian's attitudes over the period of WW1. Before the war, Australians were, in general, very supportive and enthusiastic about war. After WW1 began the reality of the severity of war dawned and although there was still support for the soldiers, their was a growing dissatisfaction with war especially as the death …show more content…

These attitudes changed due to many factors including how the British were not as superior as once thought out to be but rather amateurish. The Easter Uprising in Ireland, death toll and long length of war also changed Australian attitudes from a positive to more negative one. Young boys were read bedtime stories that usually included something somewhat like a hero single handedly defeating an army, so, when it was announced to the the public that Australia would be joining the war most were excited and supportive. "Political parties, churches, community leaders and newspapers seemed to support entry into the war" (Lewis, 2006). Source 1 suggests that recruiting was a moral and necessary commitment. Although there is evidence that many did not try to enlist and there are stories of white feathers being sent to women rejecting or abusing men who brought such shame. "Australia could make a significant contribution which would guarantee the enduring British support of Australian interests in …show more content…

Source 4 mentions two common sayings to do with Australian realisations entering the war, "here Australia became a nation" and Blightly [Britain] is a failure, take me to Australia" (Stanley, 2011). The service of 320 thousand Australians stimulated the first growth of a self-conscious Australian nationalism. At the landing at Gallipoli Australian troops expected to learn from the British but instead looked down on them as amateurs and were disappointed with their performance, efficiency and supplies. "Real sense of inequality of sacrifice" (Carrodus, Delany, Easton, Howitt and Smith, 2014). Source 5 makes notice of the fact that by the middle of 1915 the reality of war began to dawn. Australians became disillusioned with the news of deaths upon deaths and war waged on with no visible end. Endless, helplessness, unfairly treated feelings. Australia was divided due to the working class feeling exploited and the middle and upper classes being affected less by the war. "It was a hollow mockery for citizens to celebrate the glories of ANZAC Day unless they were prepared to fulfil their promises and do their duty to the men who had fought and suffered through the war." (Brand, 1925). Source 6 is a quote from a recent time after WW1, it shows the pride Australians had in their soldiers, that they thought they were brave and to

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