How Did The First World War Affect Australia

The First World War or Great War (1914-1918) was a time of bloody conflict between nations. The impact on Australia; the land and its people was far-reaching. Lives were lost and damaged which caused the course of history in Australia to change forever. It is ignorant to assert that 1918 was solely a victory to Australia, as every individual was affected to a different degree. The year 1918 could be considered victory for Australia and its people to some extent, as

During the theatre of the First World War, the Australian soldier began to be recognised for many admirable characteristics that were uncommon to other nations. The ‘Aussie Digger’ was resourceful, inventive and had plenty of initiative, despite at times appearing undisciplined. The Aussie Digger became well known for his sense of humour and rapid response in difficult situations.
The soldiers had been born and raised in newly established towns and amongst unique culture, thus unencumbered of the rules and conventions of a pre-existing society set in its ways. They ventured forth into war with courage and trust just as a new born child

From 1918, the cost of war pensions and medical care for Australian troops overwhelmed the government. As a result, income taxes were increased to fulfil these costs. The need to fuel the ‘war machine’ abroad was also ameliorated through taxes, by gaining more revenue to supply uniforms, food, weapons and equipment. However, increased income tax as well as a decrease in consumer goods and purchasing power meant that the standard of living for Australians was compromised heavily. Incidentally, the rains in winters killed off millions of livestock and the production rate of wheat fell by 75%, thus completely diminishing exportable surplus . Production of meat and wool also fell sharply. These changes would have been considered great losses for Australia’s economy during