Australia's Involement

Australia is one of many countries who fought alongside with Britain and France as a part of the British army. Australia’s involvement in the great war began when Britain went to war on the 4th of August in support of France. Both the Prime Minister and the opposing leader, who were in the middle of an election, pledge full support for Britain. (Australian War memorial, 2023). The prime minister, and the opposing leader both fully supported and promised Great Britain for 20 000 troops straight up with more soldiers to come

There were many reasons for why Australians enlisted into the army these reasons include people’s loyalty to Britain, as well as many soldiers who had already severed in other Britain campaigns. Men also enlisted to pursue adventure and seek a chance to see the world.

Another reason for soldiers’ enlistment was due to government propaganda – propaganda is information with a biased nature used to promote a political idea or point of view During the time of WW1, the main form of communication used to promote men to enlist into war were propaganda posters. This form of text and images were used to influence the behaviour of people so that they believe that enlisting is the best thing to do this swayed many Australians to enlist.

There were also many men and women who wanted to enlist but were unable to as they did not reach the requirements. The original requirements for Australian men to enlist in war were that men had to be 19-38 in age with the height on 5ft 6in and above, with the chest measurement of 34 inches. Hover due for the need for more soldiers the requirements were slightly change multiple times By 1917 the final requirements were the age of 18-47 with minimum height of 5ft (Australian War Memorial).