Studies of Conflict – Australia at War
Joshua TongTerm 2 2013Argumentative EssayHow did the Gallipoli Campaign Impact upon Australia?1000-1500 WordsSTUDIES OF CONFLICT – AUSTRALIA AT WARConflict, in the form of war has been a dominant part of Australias history. The impact of war on the development of the nation has therefore been significant. Your Role is to conduct an investigation into the impact of the Gallipoli conflict on AustraliaINTRODUCTION[pic 1]Gallipoli allowed Australians to demonstrate to the world what they were like for the first time as well as impose themselves amongst the world superpowers such as Britain and the Ottoman Empire. Before World War One Australia had not yet had the chance to be recognised as a nation set apart from Britain, having only declared independent federation thirteen years previously.[1] In 1915 The Triple Entente developed a plan to invade the Ottoman Empire and seize the capital Constantinople, opening up new supply routes and take pressure off the forces fighting on the eastern front. Gallipoli allowed Australians to demonstrate to the world what they were like for the first time as well as impose themselves amongst the world superpowers such as Britain and the Ottoman Empire.
BACKGROUNDWhen World War One broke in Europe, and Britain became involved, Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cook was fast to pledge Australian support and troops to Great Britain. In his speech to declare Australias involvement in the war he stated, “When the empire is at war so is Australia.”[2] After a new government was elected in September 1914, Prime Minister Andrew Fisher of the Labour Party quickly moved to reiterate Cooks view and in a speech on the war he stated, “to help and to defend her (Britain) until our last man and our last shilling.”[3] An estimated ninety-eight percent of people living in Australia at the outbreak of the First World War were born of British descent and were very enthusiastic to support their mother country. Australian originally promised 20 000 men to support Britain, however due to wide spread enthusiasm Australia was able to send over 50 000 volunteers.[4] Australian and New Zealand forces were joined and became known as ANZACs (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps).With the Western Font deadlocked between the European world powers The Triple Entente formulated a plan to attack the Ottomans and force them out of the war. The Ententes plan was to land on the western shore of the Dardanelles and force their way inland to Constantinople – the Ottoman capital. The invasion relied upon the inexperienced ANZACs to lead the invasion, secure the beach head and pave the way for the other nations to come forward and force the Turks backwards to Constantinople.[5]