Australia's Entry into WWI

Brainstorm Activity

Step 1: Use the Padlet embedded below to contribute some ideas into a brainstorm. 

Step 2: Add to other students' ideas.

Step 3: Discuss as a class.

Comprehension Task

Step 1: Read through the passage

When World War I broke out, Australia had been a united (federated) country for only 13 years. Although Australia was self-governing, it was still a dominion of the British Empire and was obliged to follow Britain’s instructions in many areas of government. When Britain declared war on Germany, Australia and other countries in the British Empire were also drawn into war.

Very few Australians had been engaged in wars and, possibly because of this, there was a perception that war was glorious, exciting and heroic. A wave of enthusiasm for the war effort swept through the country and men rushed to enlist in the armed forces, which at the time were known as the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Around 50 000 men enlisted by the end of 1914. According to popular opinion expressed in newspapers at the time, many of the men enlisting for war were concerned that it might be over before they got to Europe.

The reasons for enlistment were varied and complex. Some men were driven by a desire to show what their young nation could contribute to a world conflict. Others went to war because of loyalty to ‘the mother country’. Some joined out of a spirit of adventure and for the opportunity to leave home and see the world. For some, their incentive was to earn a good income, and the promise of regular pay motivated many unemployed men to volunteer. As the war progressed, hatred of the enemy also became a motivation for enlistment. Propaganda stories (often exaggerated) of German atrocities were used in recruiting campaigns

Step 2: Answer these questions in your books. Full-sentence responses.

1. How was war perceived in Australia when it broke out?

2. Outline the main reasons for joining the war.

3. How many men enlisted to join by the end of 1914?

4. What was the main concern for men enlisting?

Step 3: Review the sources below

Step 4: Using Sources 6.19 - 6.21, describe the different attitudes and motivations of the writers.

• Write in full sentences

• Answer in paragraph form. Your response should be at least 3 sentences.