A Centenary Since Gallipoli
Honouring those who fought in World War 1
Fascinated by WW1 but you have very little perception? Questioning why a minute of silence is held now and again? Discover more.
The Causes of World War 1
How WW1 broke out is a question that is still debated to this very day, however many argue that there are four reasons, four MAIN reasons:
Militarism, Alliances, Imperialism, Nationalism
militarism: the policy of building up or creating a large military
alliances: an agreement between two or more countries to help each other out and defend each other
imperialism: a country attempts to extend its power and influence over other countries, through diplomacy or military force
nationalism: pride in one's country; extreme nationalism is to believe you're better than other countries and/or people are willing o defend your country
With growing rivalry, increased tension between colonies, strong alliances being formed (that of the Triple Alliance and the Triple Entente), and the prevalent nationalism in the years leading up to 1914, we can gain some insight as to what caused war.
We also know that on the 28th of June in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated by the Serbian Blank Hand group, this was said to have sparked war.
The Bristish Flag
Australians were still trying to prove their loyalty to Britain at the time
Trench Warfare
Many fought and lost their lives in trench warfare
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Whose assassination is believed to have triggered war
Australians in the War
The Australian Involvement in the War
Significant Battles for Australians
World War 1 saw many significant battles, for Australians important and major battles include:
~Gallipoli, Turkey
~Fromelles on the Somme, France- July 1916 ..this was a battle that was aimed to break stalemate, after intensive fighting for several weeks the gain of capturing the German town in a matter of hours was finally consolidated
~Bullecourt, France- 1917 ..it was here that Australians were sent against the German lines , two lines of German trenches were captured, but in the end 80 per cent of the attacking force was lost
~Messines, Belgium- 1917
~Ypres (the battle of Passchedaele), Belgium- 1917 ..this battle ensued in 38,000 Australian causalities, in attempting to break through the German lines to the North Sea ports
~Hamel Spur, France- 4th of July 1918
~Mont St Quentin, France
~Peronne, France
~Hindenburg Line, France
The Impact of the Great War on Australians at Home
The effect of the war was deeply felt at home, with families in mourning, trying to rebuild their lives following the loss of so many men, and women burdened with the role of caring for families, having to deal with physical and financial struggles. Prices rose during the war by about half, and considering that wages weren't going up as quickly as prices were, families became worse off. The impact of war in the business world had both positive and negative outcomes, for example, because the Government spent money on war there was more business, however because more men went off to war there was a shortage of labour. The Great War also cost the Government heavily, and not just financially. The Government was forced to consider how to pay for the war (to do this they borrowed a large sum of money) and how to maintain support for the war (propaganda was often used). With opposition to the war posing as a threat, more complications were aroused for the Government, who were in favour of conscription, however they ultimately lost the referendum. The Women's Peace Army strived to destroy militarism, 'with the same sprit of self-sacrifice that soldiers showed on the battlefield', with the motto of 'we war against war'. It is quite evident that war impacted Australians at home as well as those on the battlefield.
Women in the War
Commemorating World War 1
The Significance of ANZAC Day for Australians
The Significance of Remberance Day
Memorials and Monuments
There are various memorials and monuments dedicated to World War 1 throughout Australia. Honour rolls and walls of remembrance can be found in many Anglican Churches and in assembly halls. Monuments and plaques can often be found in parks, buildings, on certain roads and on highways.
The Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, the vast memorials throughout Gallipoli, such as the Beach Cemetery, the Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial, in Ari Burnu, Shell Green and Walker's Ridge, and those of which are on the Western Front, are all devoted to preserving the legend and spirit of the Anzacs .