Year 9 · History · Historical knowledge and understanding
Australia and World War I
Learners investigate why Australia went to war in 1914, key campaigns such as Gallipoli and the Western Front, the impact at home and how the war is commemorated.
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Learning goals
Learners will
- Explain why Australia became involved in World War I.
- Describe Australian involvement at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.
- Analyse the impact of the war on Australian society.
Success looks like
- I can explain the link between Australia and Britain in 1914.
- I can describe key events and dates of the Gallipoli campaign.
- I can explain the conscription debates and their outcome.
The big idea
World War I began in 1914 between the Allies (including Britain, France and Russia) and the Central Powers (including Germany, Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire). When Britain declared war in August 1914, Australia, as part of the British Empire, was also at war. Many Australians felt strong ties to Britain.
Australia's population was under 5 million. Over 416,000 men enlisted in the volunteer AIF. First Nations men also enlisted, even though many were officially barred at first, and they often returned to face discrimination.
On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli in the Ottoman Empire. The campaign aimed to open a sea route to Russia but failed. The Allies evacuated in December 1915 and January 1916. More than 8,000 Australians died there.
From 1916 to 1918, most Australian soldiers fought on the Western Front in France and Belgium, in trench warfare at places such as Fromelles, Pozières, Passchendaele and Villers-Bretonneux. Losses were very heavy.
On the home front, two referendums on conscription were held in 1916 and 1917. Both were narrowly defeated, and the debates deeply divided the community.
The armistice was signed on 11 November 1918. More than 60,000 Australians died, and many more returned wounded or traumatised. Communities built memorials across the country.
Historians debate how much the war shaped Australian national identity. The 'Anzac legend' emphasised courage and mateship, but some historians argue it has overshadowed other experiences, including those of women, First Nations servicemen and opponents of the war.
Worked examples
Calculating a proportion
About 416,000 Australians enlisted from a population of about 4.9 million. Roughly what percentage of the population enlisted?
- 416,000 ÷ 4,900,000 ≈ 0.085.
- 0.085 × 100 ≈ 8.5%.
Answer: Roughly 8 to 9% of the whole population.
Explaining a debate
Why were the conscription referendums so divisive?
- Supporters argued more soldiers were needed to support Britain and the troops overseas.
- Opponents argued it was wrong to force people to fight and kill.
- Divisions followed religious, class and political lines, and Prime Minister Billy Hughes split the Labor Party.
Answer: It raised deep moral and political questions, splitting families, churches and parties.
Practice check
Have a go, then check your answers. Each answer comes with an explanation.
Answer guide for parents
Why was Australia at war in 1914?
As part of the British Empire, it followed Britain into war — Britain's declaration of war included the Empire.
Where did most Australian soldiers fight from 1916 to 1918?
The Western Front in France and Belgium — Most AIF infantry fought on the Western Front.
What happened to the conscription referendums of 1916 and 1917?
Both were defeated — Both were narrowly defeated.
Which empire controlled Gallipoli in 1915?
The Ottoman Empire — Gallipoli was in the Ottoman Empire (modern Türkiye).
What is an armistice?
An agreement to stop fighting — The armistice of 11 November 1918 ended the fighting.
In what year did the Gallipoli landing take place?
1915 — The landing was on 25 April 1915.
Compulsory enlistment in the armed forces is called ____.
conscription — Australia rejected conscription for overseas service in WWI.
Who was Prime Minister during the conscription referendums? (surname)
Hughes — William (Billy) Hughes became Prime Minister in October 1915.
Watch out for
- Many believe Gallipoli was an Allied victory. It was a failed campaign ending in evacuation.
- Some think only men contributed. Women served as nurses and supported the war effort at home, and many campaigned for or against conscription.
- First Nations service in WWI has often been overlooked; historians estimate that more than 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men served.
Tips for parents
- Visit a local war memorial and look for names; some families can find relatives in service records held by the National Archives of Australia.
- For First Nations service and experiences, look for resources developed with First Nations communities and veterans' organisations.
- Discuss the human cost respectfully and be mindful of students with family members in the defence forces.
Go further
- Research one soldier or nurse from your area using digitised service records and write a short biography.
- Compare two posters from the conscription campaigns and analyse their persuasive techniques.
- Investigate how Anzac Day commemoration has changed over the last century.