cohesion and division in Australia during World War 2
Task 3 Essay - Cohesion & Division
“Australia’s involvement in the Second World War created a sense of cohesion rather than division”
Unlike the First World War which caused large social divisions within society over conflicting issues, Australia’s involvement in the Second World War served to create a sense of cohesion rather than division. There was a sense of national unity to provide support for Britain at the beginning of the war and as the threat of a Japanese invasion increased, so did this sense of unity. However as the war progressed, Australia became more independent from Britain and was prepared to act in its own interests to protect Australia. The general sense of cohesion was challenged by divisive elements such as the treatment of aliens, increase in federal power and the presence of the United States and Americans in Australia. However the inspiring leadership of John Curtin, public perception towards the war and the influence of government propaganda created stronger cohesion and unity despite the divisive factors.
Australia’s initial involvement in the war was due to a sense of loyalty to Great Britain as a member of the British Empire. Therefore when Great Britain declared war upon Germany on September 1st 1939, so too would Australia two days later. Supporting Britain in the war was viewed as Australia’s ‘melancholy duty’ and although it helped Australia’s economy and provided jobs for many as well as uniting many patriots including former and current soldiers, it also caused divisions in public opinion in regards to the war, especially those concerning conscription and opposition to the war. These members of society believed that the war was constitutionally wrong. Many of these divisive opinions were only present during the ‘phoney war’ period when Australia was not directly threatened by the war. However the fall and occupation of Singapore by the Japanese in 1942 as well as the failure of
“Australia’s involvement in the Second World War created a sense of cohesion rather than division”
Unlike the First World War which caused large social divisions within society over conflicting issues, Australia’s involvement in the Second World War served to create a sense of cohesion rather than division. There was a sense of national unity to provide support for Britain at the beginning of the war and as the threat of a Japanese invasion increased, so did this sense of unity. However as the war progressed, Australia became more independent from Britain and was prepared to act in its own interests to protect Australia. The general sense of cohesion was challenged by divisive elements such as the treatment of aliens, increase in federal power and the presence of the United States and Americans in Australia. However the inspiring leadership of John Curtin, public perception towards the war and the influence of government propaganda created stronger cohesion and unity despite the divisive factors.
Australia’s initial involvement in the war was due to a sense of loyalty to Great Britain as a member of the British Empire. Therefore when Great Britain declared war upon Germany on September 1st 1939, so too would Australia two days later. Supporting Britain in the war was viewed as Australia’s ‘melancholy duty’ and although it helped Australia’s economy and provided jobs for many as well as uniting many patriots including former and current soldiers, it also caused divisions in public opinion in regards to the war, especially those concerning conscription and opposition to the war. These members of society believed that the war was constitutionally wrong. Many of these divisive opinions were only present during the ‘phoney war’ period when Australia was not directly threatened by the war. However the fall and occupation of Singapore by the Japanese in 1942 as well as the failure of