Q) When did the First World War start? How was Australia involved?

Answer

• The First World War began in August 1914

• Britain, France & Russia (Triple Entente) were at war with Germany, Austro-Hungary & Turkey (Central Powerrs).

• Australia was more than a close ally of Great Britain. It’s foreign policy was still determined by the British. So, Australian participation was an automatic consequence of Britain being at war.

2. Where was German New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago?

German New Guinea

Q) Why did Australia take possession of these territories?

2) Answer…

• Given Germany controlled New Guinea and Australia controlled Papua (on behalf of Britain), Australia neighboured her war-time energy.

• Therefore, apart from any self-interest in territorial expansion, Australia faced a direct threat to its north.

3. How long did the Gallipoli campaign last? What was the objective of this campaign?

3) Answer

• The Gallipoli campaign lasted 8 months - from 25 April 1915 to late December 1915/ early January 1916.

• The goal of the Gallipoli campaign was to take the Ottoman Turk capital of Constantinople, thus establishing a sea route to Russia.

Gallipoli Peninsula

Turkey

Sea route to Russia

4. Where did the bulk of Australian soldiers go after the Gallipoli

campaign?

4) Answer

• After the failed Gallipoli campaign of 1915, most Australian soldiers went to fight on the Western Front.

5. Where was the Western Front?

The Western Front

What was fighting like there? (In your answer discuss the number of

Australian casualties).

5) Answer “While the overall hostile stasis continued throughout 1916 and 1917, the Australians and other allied armies repeatedly attacked, preceded by massive artillery bombardments intended to cut barbed wire and destroy enemy defences. After these bombardments, waves of attacking infantry emerged from the trenches into no man's land and advanced towards enemy positions. The surviving Germans, protected by deep and heavily reinforced bunkers, were usually able to repel the attackers with machine-gun fire and artillery support from the rear. These attacks often resulted in limited territorial gains followed, in turn, by German counter-attacks. Although this style of warfare favoured the defence, both sides sustained heavy losses.”

6. Who were Australian and Allied forces fighting in the Middle Eastern campaign? Was this

campaign successful?

6) Answer

• Australians fought with the British in the Middle East against the Ottoman Turks.

• By 1918, allied forces had defeated the Ottoman empire.

7. What was the effect of the War on the home front back in Australia?

7) Answer

• Initial excitement soon replaced by grief and disillusionment as the casualty toll mounted

• Increased role for women• Anti-German hostility• Bitterly contested conscription debates in

1916 and 1917• At war’s end, physically and emotionally

wounded soldiers had to be re-integrated into society.