Overview of WWI Origins and Australian Involvement

Origins

There was a lot of tension around Europe in the lead-up to WWI. The four main contributors to this were:

Alliance System: There were alliances formed between the major powers throughout Europe, splitting them into two predominate forces, The Triple Entente, consisting of France, Great Britain and Russia, and The Triple Alliance, consisting of Austria-Hungary, Germany and Italy, who later converted to the Entente’s side.

Nationalism: Often leading to distrust of foreigners and unquestioning loyalty.

Militarism: Arms Race between the two sides ignited.

Imperialism: Colonial territories created conflict amongst the Great Powers.

The trigger event for the eruption of WWI occurred when Austria-Hungary’s Crown Prince, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia by a Serbian terrorist group, The Black Hand. Hence this gave Austria-Hungary a reason to declare war against Serbia, resulting in a chain reaction.



Map of Europe, 1914.  Triple Alliance is shaded green, Triple Entente- yellow.
http://burdicksocstud09.wikispaces.com/The+World+At+War+(1914-1918)



Australia’s Involvement:

The major reason why Australia was involved in the Great War was because she was part of Great Britain’s Commonwealth and hence, the obligation to support the Triple Entente arose.

However, the British cared more about their own troops than those of Australia. This resulted in the Australian soldiers being placed in higher risk areas and the mix up during Gallipoli where many lives were lost.

There was a lot of Propaganda both for and against WWI. This is what we will talk about in our Blog, exploring the various mediums used and the effect they had on the Australian people during these hard times.

 


Royal Australian Airfore preparing for war
http://www.airforce.gov.au/history/

  References: Australia Emerges, Eshuys, Guest, Lawrence, Chapter 2