Robert Gordon Menzies Post-War Prime Ministers
Post War Prime Ministers Essay
Robert Gordon Menzies, born on the 20th of December, 1894 was Australia’s 12th and longest serving prime minister, his second term beginning from 1949 to 1966. During this time Menzies made significant contributions to Australia’s Post-War development such as increasing the standard of living and preventing the communist threat from reaching Australia.
Menzies had a great effect on the standard of living in Australia and realized the “great Australian Dream” for many – a belief that home ownership can lead to a better life. The 17 years which he ran as Prime Minister are referred to as the “golden era” as it led to rapid economic growth. According to dfat.gov.au, an official government website, the rate of home ownership rose dramatically from around 40% in 1947 to 75% in the 1960’s. This was the result of Menzies’ introduction of the Homes Savings Grant Act 1964 which aimed to provide assistance to young married persons …show more content…
He tried to eliminate the communist influence on trade unions and social movement. In response, the parliament passed Communist Party Dissolution Act 1950 which was immediately challenged in the High court and declared invalid. The fear of communism continued to rise in Australia due to the “Cold War” and outbreak of the Korean War. Despite this fact, when a referendum was held in September 1951, the “no” campaign was narrowly won. In September of 1951 Australia formed a loose alliance with New Zealand and the US (which was the dominant power at that time) against the communist threat and the Security Treaty Act was passed in 1952. The fears of Communist infiltration in Australia were confirmed when two Soviet embassy staff were revealed as spies. The secretary of the Labour leader H.V. Evatt was alleged as a Soviet contact resulting in Menzies winning the 1954
Robert Gordon Menzies, born on the 20th of December, 1894 was Australia’s 12th and longest serving prime minister, his second term beginning from 1949 to 1966. During this time Menzies made significant contributions to Australia’s Post-War development such as increasing the standard of living and preventing the communist threat from reaching Australia.
Menzies had a great effect on the standard of living in Australia and realized the “great Australian Dream” for many – a belief that home ownership can lead to a better life. The 17 years which he ran as Prime Minister are referred to as the “golden era” as it led to rapid economic growth. According to dfat.gov.au, an official government website, the rate of home ownership rose dramatically from around 40% in 1947 to 75% in the 1960’s. This was the result of Menzies’ introduction of the Homes Savings Grant Act 1964 which aimed to provide assistance to young married persons …show more content…
He tried to eliminate the communist influence on trade unions and social movement. In response, the parliament passed Communist Party Dissolution Act 1950 which was immediately challenged in the High court and declared invalid. The fear of communism continued to rise in Australia due to the “Cold War” and outbreak of the Korean War. Despite this fact, when a referendum was held in September 1951, the “no” campaign was narrowly won. In September of 1951 Australia formed a loose alliance with New Zealand and the US (which was the dominant power at that time) against the communist threat and the Security Treaty Act was passed in 1952. The fears of Communist infiltration in Australia were confirmed when two Soviet embassy staff were revealed as spies. The secretary of the Labour leader H.V. Evatt was alleged as a Soviet contact resulting in Menzies winning the 1954