1. How did the Treaty of Versailles impact them?
2. What type(s) of government did this country have in the interwar years (1919-1938)?
3. How did their leader, that led them throughout WWII, come to power?
4. How did this leader change their country (for the better and worse) prior to WWII?
5. What were the goals of the leader?
6. What was the military strategy of this country in the inter-war years (1919-1938)?
7. What role did they play in WWII?
8. Who were their allies in WWII?
9. How did WWII impact/effect the country?
The Treaty of Versailles didn’t have an impact on Australia, because they did not sign it.
World War II made major changes to Australia’s economy, foreign policy and military. The war made industrialization quicker, led to a bigger military and changed their foreign policy from Britain to the US.
Between WW1 and WW2, Australia suffered a lot from the Great Depression. Because of this, Australia’s defense was limited and it led to a decline in size in the effectiveness of the army during the late 20’s and early 30’s.
World War II made major changes to Australia’s economy, foreign policy and military. The war made industrialization quicker, led to a bigger military and changed their foreign policy from Britain to the US
Between 1939 and 1945, Australia fought only in two wars; once against Germany and Italy, and the other against Japan with an alliance of the US and Britain.
On September 3rd, 1939, Australia joined the UK, Britain, France and New Zealand at war against Germany in Europe. When the war was declared, Australia’s army wasn’t very prepared. On September 15th, 1939 Prime Minister Robert Menzies created the AIF, the Australian Imperial Force. Men volunteered for this expeditionary force. They went into auxiliary units and infantry division. He had a strong allegiance to Great Britain and supported them. Menzies spent a lot of time there, and by the time he got back to Australia, he lost all support and was forced to resign as Prime Minister. Arthur Fadden took his place as Prime Minister. Fadden’s government was defeated, and John Curtin one the huge election victory.
Japanese sent threats to Australia. After the bombing in Pearl Harbor on December 8th, 1941, Australia declared war with Japan. John Curtin knew that Australia did not have enough power to win against Japan, so Curtin turned to America for help. They succeeded and won the war in the Pacific.
Australia was able to boost the population with a major migration plan. Migrants were able to make important contributions to Australian Society even though they lived in poor conditions. The Prime Minister knew they needed a long-term strategy to ensure his people that they could defend themselves against another invasion.
http://www.worldwar2database.com/html/australia.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia_during_World_War_II
http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/wardeclared
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