EX01 essay memorisation Flashcards
memorise history essay (18 cards)
What is the main idea of the essay?
WWI (1914–1918) had a profound and lasting impact on Australian society. This is shown through key events and shifts like conscription referendums, the development of national identity, the ANZAC legend, and rising anti-German sentiment. These shaped Australia during the war and long after.
What was conscription, and what did it mean for Australians during WWI?
Conscription was a government proposal to force men to enlist in the army or navy. It was highly controversial and divided the country politically and socially.
What were the two sides of the conscription debate?
Yes side: Saw it as a duty to support those already fighting — heroic and necessary.
No side: Believed it was unjust and destructive, risking families and personal freedom. This split caused serious social division.
What happened in the 1916 and 1917 referendums?
Two referendums were held to decide on conscription — both were narrowly defeated. The slim margins highlight how deeply divided Australia was.
What forms did conscription propaganda take and what was its impact?
Propaganda came from both sides via posters, newspapers, cartoons, songs, rallies, and slogans. It used fear and ridicule to sway opinion and caused public tension and confusion, reinforcing the divide.
What was Australia’s sense of national identity before WWI?
Australia was a new federation, less than 15 years old, with only a loose sense of nationhood.
How did WWI help form a stronger Australian identity?
Through shared sacrifice and military involvement, Australians developed pride and confidence in their country and soldiers. WWI helped form a united national identity.
Where and how was the ANZAC legend born?
At the Gallipoli campaign in 1915. Despite failure, the courage shown by soldiers formed the ANZAC legend, defined by bravery, mateship, endurance, sacrifice, and leadership.
What happened at Gallipoli, and how did it affect Australians?
Poor planning led to massive casualties — over 8,000 Australians died and 18,000 were wounded. Though a military failure, it became a symbol of heroism and national pride.
How is the ANZAC legend remembered today?
It remains a core part of Australian identity and is honoured through ANZAC Day and national ceremonies. It shaped the way Australians view war and themselves.
What triggered anti-Germanism in Australia during WWI?
Hatred for the enemy led Australians to target Germans and German culture, regardless of citizenship or loyalty.
What actions were taken against German influence?
Town and street names were changed (e.g. over 60 in South Australia).
German businesses were shut down or renamed.
German music, schools, and culture were banned.
How were German Australians treated?
Many were fired from jobs, socially isolated, and stripped of rights. This intense discrimination was a direct societal consequence of WWI and showed how war bred racial fear and division.
What were the four major societal impacts of WWI on Australia?
Conscription and political division
National identity formation
Creation of the ANZAC legend
Anti-German sentiment and discrimination
Why does the essay argue WWI had a lasting impact?
These changes weren’t just wartime effects — they reshaped Australian society, politics, and culture, with some influences still felt today.
Body Paragraph One: Conscription
Topic: Conscription during WWI
Structure:
🔹 Topic sentence – Conscription caused massive political and social division in Australia.
🔹 Key points:
Australia was deeply divided between Yes and No sides.
Led to two national referendums (1916 & 1917), both narrowly defeated.
Created widespread propaganda from both sides – posters, slogans, rallies, etc.
🔹 Concluding link – Shows how conscription had a major impact on Australian society during WWI.
Body Paragraph Two: National Identity & ANZAC Legend
Topic: WWI and the birth of Australian national identity
Structure:
🔹 Topic sentence – WWI helped form a distinct Australian identity and gave birth to the ANZAC legend.
🔹 Key points:
Before WWI, Australia had a weak national identity.
Gallipoli was a “baptism of fire”, shaping a separate identity from Britain.
ANZAC legend emerged: bravery, mateship, sacrifice, endurance.
🔹 Concluding link – WWI transformed national pride and identity, still visible today.
Body Paragraph Three: Anti-Germanism
Topic: Anti-German attitudes and actions in Australia
Structure:
🔹 Topic sentence – WWI caused a wave of anti-German sentiment in Australian society.
🔹 Key points:
Australians boycotted German goods.
Germans (even citizens) were stripped of rights and jobs.
Towns, places, and businesses with German names were renamed to erase German influence.
🔹 Concluding link – Demonstrates how war fuelled racism and fear, leaving lasting social impacts.
