to what extent did Australia enlist to defend the mother country
To what extent did Australians enlist in 1914 to defend the ‘Mother country’?
World War 1, the war to end all wars, lasted from 1914-1918. It was triggered by the assassination of the Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand which led to a global war that was centred in Europe. Officially, Australia as a whole enthusiastically and patriotically defended Great Britain at the outbreak of war in 1914. Australia was geographically and politically isolated from what was happening in Europe. However being part of the Commonwealth, when Britain went to war, Australia became involved for political and economical reasons. However, at an individual level Australians enlisted in the war for very different reasons, largely social pressures and the lack of employment during WW1.
Australia and Britain have always had a very strong relationship as Australia is part of the British Empire and therefore politically Australia as a nation wanted to help defend Britain. Even though Australia was not formally an ally of Great Britain, Australia felt a strong allegiance to Britain due to imperialistic ties. The British were the early settlers of Australia so there had always been that attachment with each other. Australia is part of the Commonwealth so the military felt the need to help the mother country. The nation's financial resources and manpower were promised by the then-Labour leader, Andrew Fisher, who assured that 'Australians will stand beside our own to help and defend her to our last man and our last shilling.' This demonstrated Australia’s devotion and passion in defending Britain. It was also strategically beneficial for Australia to maintain their connection as Australia relied on Britain for security purposes. In the early 1900’s Australia had no navy so with any military threat would require support from Britain. Without Britain’s support, Australia would have a higher chance of being invaded. In 1914, the British Empire was the largest Empire in the world. England was
World War 1, the war to end all wars, lasted from 1914-1918. It was triggered by the assassination of the Archduke of Austria, Franz Ferdinand which led to a global war that was centred in Europe. Officially, Australia as a whole enthusiastically and patriotically defended Great Britain at the outbreak of war in 1914. Australia was geographically and politically isolated from what was happening in Europe. However being part of the Commonwealth, when Britain went to war, Australia became involved for political and economical reasons. However, at an individual level Australians enlisted in the war for very different reasons, largely social pressures and the lack of employment during WW1.
Australia and Britain have always had a very strong relationship as Australia is part of the British Empire and therefore politically Australia as a nation wanted to help defend Britain. Even though Australia was not formally an ally of Great Britain, Australia felt a strong allegiance to Britain due to imperialistic ties. The British were the early settlers of Australia so there had always been that attachment with each other. Australia is part of the Commonwealth so the military felt the need to help the mother country. The nation's financial resources and manpower were promised by the then-Labour leader, Andrew Fisher, who assured that 'Australians will stand beside our own to help and defend her to our last man and our last shilling.' This demonstrated Australia’s devotion and passion in defending Britain. It was also strategically beneficial for Australia to maintain their connection as Australia relied on Britain for security purposes. In the early 1900’s Australia had no navy so with any military threat would require support from Britain. Without Britain’s support, Australia would have a higher chance of being invaded. In 1914, the British Empire was the largest Empire in the world. England was