Centenary of the Gallipoli battle
Recognising the many soliders who fought in WW1
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The Causes of World War 1
After the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinard of Austria-Hungary, many believed that was the cause of WW1 along with MAIN...
Militarism~ the policy of building up or creating a large military (to have more and better weapons than everyone else
Many countries kept building bigger and better armies to get one better on the opposition.
Alliances~ an agreement between two or more countries to help each other out and to defend each other
The Triple Alliance was between Germany, Austria-Hungarian and Italy. The Triple Entente was between France, Russia and Great Britain.
Imperialism~ a country attempts to extend its power and influence over other counties through diplomacy or military force
The tension between countries increased as some places believed they were better than others, so they wanted to take over more and more places.
Nationalism~ pride in one's country (extreme nationalism- is to believe you are better than other countries and/or people and are willing to defend your country
This was identified to be one of the major causes on the Great War. Nationalism was widespread in Europe in the years leading up to 1914
Archduke Franz Ferdinard
Hill 60, Gallipoli
Men in the trenches at Gallipoli
The Australian involment in the War
The Australians were very excited when they got the opportunity to got to Europe and fight for their country. Australia's Prime Minister at the time said we as a country would support Britain "to the last man and the last shilling". Australia were and still are heavily involved with Britain, meaning that in 1914, when England wanted Australian troops to go over and fight for them, many did. Australia troops fought in 9 battles over the course of World War 1. See Significant Battles for a list of them.
For the women...
Women were not allowed to fight on the ground of WW1, although, some signed up to be women of the Australian Army Nursing Service. This meant that wherever the soldiers fought, the nurses were there the care for them if they were injured. Back home, women also were apart of the Australian Red Cross and the Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau.
Photo below: Nurses during WW1, Source~ Google images
The significant battles of WW1 for Australians
During World War 1, the Australian troops fought in 9 battles.
- Gallipoli, Turkey (1915)- very warm summer, very cold winter
- Fromelles on the Somme, France (1916)- British Empire & France vs German Empire
- Bullecourt, France (1917)- 2 battles of Bullecourt
- Messines, Belgium (1917)- this battle was the first time that the 3rd Australian Division saw service on the Western Front
- Ypres (the battle of Passchedalele), Belgium (1917)- also known as the third battle
- Hamel Spur, France (1918)- Australia, United States and United Kingdom vs German Empire
- Mont St Quentin, France (1918)- Australian Victory
- Peronne, France (1918)- Australia fought against Germany
- Hindenburg Line, France (1918)- strongest of the Germans army's defence
Gallipoli
Bullecourt
Hamel Spur
Impact of the Great War for Australians back home
During the War, the families left back at home would have constantly been worried for their loved ones fighting on the other side of the world. The Great War tore families apart If the husband didn't return from war, the wife would have to take on two rolls which was unlike for women during this time. Businesses would have also been affected as many men fighting would have owned companies/worked in places that would have lost money and workers. After realising that the War was not a great, exciting experience, more like a bloody battle of death, the government tried to introduce conscription. This meant that the government forced men to go to war even though they didn't sign up or didn't want to sign up.
Source Below: A sons letter to his mother back home, Source~ Google images