Australia at the Outbreak of WarAt the outbreak of World War 1 Australia had only been proclaimed a nation for 13 years. 1901 was the year the Australian states had become a federation and the Commonwealth of Australia was created. In August 1914, when Britain declared war on Germany, the Australians believed that it would be over within a few months. There was great excitement and encouragement for the war among the Australians. Britain was still seen as the ‘Mother Country’ to many Australians. In 1914, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) travelled the seas and fought for Britain as if the enemy had attacked Australia or New Zealand. In the history of World Wars Anzac troops travelled the furthest to battle.
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"It is a story of great valour under fire, unity of purpose and a willingness to fight against the odds that has helped to define what it means to be an Australian" Prime Minister John Howard, on the death of the last Anzac, Alec Cambell, Sydney Morning Herald, 17 May 2002 http://www.australianbeers.com/culture/anzac.htm |