Depth Study Focus: What was the significance of World War Two?
Australia's entry into World War II
As a result of Hitler's territorial desires, the German army invaded Poland on the 1st of September 1939. In response, Britain, France and the British dominions, including Australia, who had promised to support Poland if they were attacked by Germany, declared war. The world was now at war for the second time.
In Australia, the Second World war was not greeted with the same level of enthusiasm as they has shown in 1915. Because of this public reaction, then Prime Minister Robert Menzies was initially reluctant to commit Australian troops to fight in Europe, despite Australia's declaration of war. Australia's military was in a depleted state, and Menzies wanted to ensure that Australia could defend itself if the need arose.
Key Questions
Why did Australia go to war?
Why did Australians enlist in WWII?
Where did Australians fight in WWII?
Some useful resources:
http://rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/heritage/the-second-world-war
http://www.awm.gov.au/journal/j29/civils/
In Australia, the Second World war was not greeted with the same level of enthusiasm as they has shown in 1915. Because of this public reaction, then Prime Minister Robert Menzies was initially reluctant to commit Australian troops to fight in Europe, despite Australia's declaration of war. Australia's military was in a depleted state, and Menzies wanted to ensure that Australia could defend itself if the need arose.
Key Questions
Why did Australia go to war?
Why did Australians enlist in WWII?
Where did Australians fight in WWII?
Some useful resources:
http://rslnsw.org.au/commemoration/heritage/the-second-world-war
http://www.awm.gov.au/journal/j29/civils/