Evolving Attidues Of WWII

The Australians were confronted with war, which is distinct by simply looking at the war in 1914 where 20,000 men were brutally killed, at the expense of their nations defense. Morale and emotions took a dramatic turn, associated with hesitance.

When war came to Europe in 1939, the Australian people accepted it with an air of resignation, meaning they were pleased to escape their present troubling times. Australia's ties under the British empire, saw Robert Menzies announce Australia's participation in the war against Germany and Japan.

It is no surprise that in 1914, there had been wild celebration and excitement. This excitement was associated with the Australian's mentality of adventure and travel. Most of the selected troops in the AIF thought of it as an opportunity to see the world, and conquer new wonders. To their surprise, it was the complete opposite.

In 1939, people knew that war brought death and horror and so there was no romantic visions of glory and adventure that were felt before hand.

The 1930s was the time of the Great Depression, where morale was at an all-time low, and the crippling financial crisis had left fellow Australians with no hope or incentive. WWII was seen as an escape route for many Australians, struggling to supply of basic essentials, to find further hope and purpose to shape up their nations identity.

Essentially, WWII provided employment opportunities for many, awakening the hope of a healed economy. Women were taking the roll of many domesticated jobs, such as nurses, whereas men were battling and fighting their heart out, essentially trying to find a purpose within their selves and their country.

When Britain declared war, Australia immediately did the same. As Australia followed British Empire foreign policy, once Britain was at war, so was Australia. Most Australians shared the view that Australia had a