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?
During World War 2, Australia had a change of relationships with Britain and the US. Britain was Australia's "Mother country" at first until Great Britain didn't back up Australia when they needed them the most.
On September 1, 1939 when Germany attacked Poland,other countries wanted to attack Germany. So Great Britain and France sent Adolf Hitler an ultimatum of either getting German forces out of Poland or they would declare war on Germany. So on September 3, 1939, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand declared war onto Germany because Germany was going deeper into Poland.(Beginning of World War 2.) Bombing Germany with an air offensive was a major strategy for Australia. Also, Australia entered war in Europe to help their allies in the United Kingdom. Australian and New Zealand units served in North Africa, Italy and Greece.
When the Japanese attacked Asia and the Pacific areas, Australians were sent back overseas because of the agreement they had with England. Not all were sent back, but some were sent to Singapore and they surrendered. Also, due to the japanese bombing Darwin, they lost 26 ships.
When Australia went at war in Europe, England could no longer support them; so Australia asked the US for help since they both had common enemies.
During the Battle of the Mediterranian, Australia's ship, Sydney, sunk Italy's.
In 1940 and 1941 in Operation Compass, Australia and other countries attacked Italy and succeeded. (This took place in Egypt then Libia. With the help of Britain artillary, Italy surrendered and Australia took 40,000 prisoners. The war in Tobruk in 1941 was the battle that made Australia known for in history. Later in the Greek Campaign, Australia's government changed. Prime Minister Menzie's leadership got weaker by spending a lot of time in Britain and since there were a lot of losses in the Greek Campaign, people thought he wasn't a good leader. He resigned on August 26, 1941 because he simply could not handle it anymore. Arthur Fadden replaced him but on October 3rd, his government did not work out and he was replaced by John Curtin. Curtin did not see why Australia needed to fight in someone else's war. He believed in peace for Australia and turned to the US for help to achieve that. Same with the other leaders as well, except they failed. Later in 1941, Australia were mainly in Syria and Lebanon to gain power to move on to other countries.
In 1942, some of the Australians returned home and they recieved a threat from the Japanese. In this war between Japan and Australia on February 19, 1942, the Japanese attacked in Darwin where the base was for Allied ships. Japanese won this battle. Later when Japan attacked Australi's mainland, they were not ready because Australia had expanded their military and were ready for an attack. Japan just wanted to isolate Australia from the US. Australia did not play a big role in the Japan Campaign becuase it was at the end of the war.
In mid-1942, the first battle of Alamein took place. (This stopped the Axis' advance.) Next, the second battle of Alamein started and during this battle, Australia decided that it would be wise to send back the people to Australia because they could not sustain staying in North Africa.
In 1944, their military role decreased because their main purpose was to now give other Allied forces food and materials needed to defeat Japan.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed by Australia and also had 32 signatures from the Australia government. The Treaty of Versailles also estabolished Australia's commonwealth and part in the League of Nations.
I think the Australia did not have a large part of the war, but did help out Britain and the US. in return, the US and Britain helped out Australia. The main purpose for Australia was to provide troops to their allied powers since Australia was no where near the Axis powers. But when the battle in New Guinea took place, Australia held on til the end of the war. As for the outcomes of Australia, the war changed women's statuses. Women used to be at home working, but when the war broke out, women worked on the farms and helped out alot with that. Also, our ties with the US are closer due to World War 2. Before World War 2, Australia was not a wealthy country at all. Depressions were common here. Acts were brought up to be against striking and for working. Unemployment in Australia was high and debt was huge. Australia relied on exports like wool and cotton. Overall, i think Australia helped out other countries in the war. A good sportsmanship country!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia_during_World_War_II
http://www.foundingdocs.gov.au/item.asp?dID=23
http://www.kokodatrail.com.au/history.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_strategy#Australian_strategy
Comments
That is a good way to summarize Australia's role. They were very important as a base for us in the Pacific!
Good job!!