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Causes
- Six Causes of World War I
The First World War began in the summer of 1914, shortly after the assassination of Austria’s Archduke, Franz Ferdinand, and lasted more than four years, ending in 1918.
Quick and simple explanation of the MAIN causes of World War 1
This video summarises the origins, course and consequences of this war. A map is used to summarise the events.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand
- Archduke Franz Ferdinand
Article on the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
June 28, 1914. (2022). National WWI Museum and Memorial. https://www.theworldwar.org/learn/about-wwi/june-28-1914
International relations
- Australia and the Paris Peace Conference
After the signing of the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the Allied powers convened a conference in Paris. They needed to determine the terms of the Peace Treaty with the Central Powers. - Signing of the armistices in 1918In western Europe, Germany, France, USA and the British Empire, including Australia, signed the Armistice of 11 November 1918. Negotiations with Germany and the Ottoman Empire most directly affected the Australian troops.
- Post-war Economies (Australia)As an importer of labour, capital, and manufactured goods, and an exporter of commodities, Australia benefited from its relationship with the British Empire. It had difficulty, however, placing some of its products on an international market suffering from over-production.
Australia's involvement
- First World War 1914–18Australia’s involvement in the First World War began when Britain and Germany went to war on 4 August 1914, and both Prime Minister Joseph Cook and Opposition Leader Andrew Fisher, who were in the midst of an election campaign, pledged full support for Britain. The outbreak of war was greeted in Australia, as in many other places, with great enthusiasm.
- World War I and Australia 1914 to 1918At the end of June 1914, Australians read in their newspapers about the political assassination of an heir to a European throne. The murder increased existing tensions between the mighty empires of Europe. It set in train a series of events that led to war. German troops entered Belgium in August. Then the United Kingdom declared war on Germany. As a dominion of the British Empire, Australia willingly joined the war.
From the Film Australia Collection. Made by The Commonwealth Film Unit 1967. Directed by Barrie Pattison. For Australia, the First World War was a social crisis as well as a military one. This film, a reasoned appraisal of Australia’s part in the First World War, also examines the effects of the war on Australia’s national psyche. It traces all the major battles in which Australia took part, from troops leaving home to peace celebrations, and shows the different kinds of warfare as well as advances in military technology. Made up of actual footage shot on the battlefields of Europe at the time (including rare footage of Gallipoli), this is an authentic, on-the-spot portrayal of the war.
- Aboriginal service during the First World WarAt the outbreak of the war large numbers of Australians came forward to enlist, and Aboriginal Australians also answered the call. Best current estimates are that about 1,000 Indigenous Australians – out of an estimated population of 93,000 in 1901 – fought in the First World War (though the real number is probably higher).
- World War I: Indigenous AnzacsAn estimated 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served with the Australian Imperial Force in World War I.
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This digital story explores the contribution and experiences of indigenous Queenslanders during the First World War. Despite the oppressive policies and practices of the Protection Era, between 1,250 and 1,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women volunteered for the AIF, and approximately 300 were from Queensland. Indigenous Queenslanders tried to enlist for a variety of reasons, and Indigenous Languages Coordinator Desmond Crump discusses the effect of the Defence Act (1909), which excluded from service 'those who were not of 'substantially European origin or descent'. In 1917 the Act was amended to so that 'half castes' could enlist. While this increased indigenous recruitment, it did not guarantee indigenous soldiers any of the rights afforded their non-indigenous comrades after the war, and they returned to a life of restriction and discrimination.
Gallipoli
- Gallipoli Campaign 1915Early on the morning of 25 April 1915, Allied forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in Ottoman Turkey. This marked the start of the Gallipoli Campaign, a land-based element of a broad strategy to defeat the Ottoman Empire.
- GallipoliMost of the men recruited into the Australian Imperial Force at the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914 were sent to Egypt to meet the threat which the Ottoman Empire (Turkey) posed to British interests in the Middle East and to the Suez Canal.
- Gallipoli: The First Day onlineIncludes events from the first day landing and 3D visuals.
The Gallipoli campaign was one of the most significant events of World War I for Australian troops. This video introduces the events of the Gallipoli invasion and how the actions of the soldiers there have contributed to the lasting legacy of the ANZACs. Students will learn about what happened at Gallipoli, from the initial landing to major events such as the August Offensive, and the final evacuation and retreat.
Australia at home
- Life on the home frontThe site has a range of historical footage ranging from making ammunitions to propaganda cartoons.
- Women and World War IDuring World War One, women served at home and abroad.
The war provided an opportunity for some women to travel and serve overseas. - The damage inflicted on the Australian home front by the Great WarThe scale of Australian military losses in World War I is well known. From a population of fewer than 5 million, more than 62,000 men and women died, and over 150,000 were wounded. Less widely known, however, is the profound damage that the war inflicted on the Australian home front.
ANZAC Legend
- The Anzac legendThe Anzacs on Gallipoli helped shape the Australian story. Once used to refer to those who fought in World War I, 'Anzac' now represents all men and women who serve Australia.
- Dawn of the Legend: The Anzac spiritThe legend of Anzac was born on 25 April 1915, and was reaffirmed in eight months' fighting on Gallipoli. Although there was no military victory, the Australians displayed great courage, endurance, initiative, discipline, and mateship. Such qualities came to be seen as the Anzac spirit.
History of how Australia commemorates the First World War and the significance of the ANZAC Legend - when we say lest we forget, what is it really asking us?