The Japanese advancement throughout Asia-Pacific greatly concerned the Allies. While the war had begun in 1939, things began getting troublesome for Australians, when the Japanese advancement became apparent. With the fall of Singapore, the bombing of Pearl Harbour and the battle at Kokoda, the Allied forces had to work together to overcome the Japanese.
While Australia had previously been in the war, Japanese aggression provoked panic throughout the country. Australian troops had previously been in Europe and North Africa trying to keep the Germans and Italians at bay. Therefore because the Japanese had sided with the Germans the Japanese threat was real and not a new idea. Many of the Australian public thought that Australia would be invaded …show more content…
With Japan being a lot closer to Australia, than Germany and the other European and North African countries, the Australian government knew that it would be the next logical country for the Japanese to try and over through. After WW1 the U.S. made it clear that they wanted to ensure that war never broke out on such a scale again. So after the bombing of the imperative American naval base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii in 1941, Australia hoped that this would be enough to provoke the Americans to help with the Allied war effort. In a famous speech, Prime Minister, John Curtin told his audience “we look to America, free from any pangs or links of traditional kinship to the United Kingdom.” This identified his desire for America to help in the effort to defeat the Japanese. Curtin then demanded Australian troops return to defend our shores. With the bombing of Darwin four days later, Australian troops went to New Guinea and the Kokoda Track to try and push Japanese soldiers back from their advance. American soldiers were soon sent as reinforcements and their help was greatly appreciated. American navy soldiers, were also very successful in the battles of the Coral Sea. After the fight at Kokoda, the American’s soon bombed two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although this decision was greatly debatable it helped to encourage the end of war. The …show more content…
With the absence of around 575, 800 men, many empty holes were left. With the Japanese advancement towards Australia, the nation’s need to build up its armed forces was more of a priority than the needs of other industries. Many new women’s auxiliary organisations were formed to replace the shortage of male workers. However the Australian government was adamant that no female auxiliary forces would serve outside of Australia. The women of Australia still relished in this new found liberation at being treated equally with men for the first time. They began working in many formally male occupations, such as roles in industries, essential services and agricultural labour. The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was organised to help with the war effort by making uniforms, weapons and ammunition. The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was organised to fulfil the demands of agricultural labour and continuing to keep up the food supply in Australia. However when the war ended in 1945, and the Australian men returned from overseas, the women had to return to their original feminine livelihoods. This was disappointing for the women as they had enjoyed their short-lived freedom. Female Australian’s lives had changed dramatically throughout the course of WW2 and had given Australia the chance of a different
While Australia had previously been in the war, Japanese aggression provoked panic throughout the country. Australian troops had previously been in Europe and North Africa trying to keep the Germans and Italians at bay. Therefore because the Japanese had sided with the Germans the Japanese threat was real and not a new idea. Many of the Australian public thought that Australia would be invaded …show more content…
With Japan being a lot closer to Australia, than Germany and the other European and North African countries, the Australian government knew that it would be the next logical country for the Japanese to try and over through. After WW1 the U.S. made it clear that they wanted to ensure that war never broke out on such a scale again. So after the bombing of the imperative American naval base at Pearl Harbour, Hawaii in 1941, Australia hoped that this would be enough to provoke the Americans to help with the Allied war effort. In a famous speech, Prime Minister, John Curtin told his audience “we look to America, free from any pangs or links of traditional kinship to the United Kingdom.” This identified his desire for America to help in the effort to defeat the Japanese. Curtin then demanded Australian troops return to defend our shores. With the bombing of Darwin four days later, Australian troops went to New Guinea and the Kokoda Track to try and push Japanese soldiers back from their advance. American soldiers were soon sent as reinforcements and their help was greatly appreciated. American navy soldiers, were also very successful in the battles of the Coral Sea. After the fight at Kokoda, the American’s soon bombed two Japanese cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although this decision was greatly debatable it helped to encourage the end of war. The …show more content…
With the absence of around 575, 800 men, many empty holes were left. With the Japanese advancement towards Australia, the nation’s need to build up its armed forces was more of a priority than the needs of other industries. Many new women’s auxiliary organisations were formed to replace the shortage of male workers. However the Australian government was adamant that no female auxiliary forces would serve outside of Australia. The women of Australia still relished in this new found liberation at being treated equally with men for the first time. They began working in many formally male occupations, such as roles in industries, essential services and agricultural labour. The Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) was organised to help with the war effort by making uniforms, weapons and ammunition. The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was organised to fulfil the demands of agricultural labour and continuing to keep up the food supply in Australia. However when the war ended in 1945, and the Australian men returned from overseas, the women had to return to their original feminine livelihoods. This was disappointing for the women as they had enjoyed their short-lived freedom. Female Australian’s lives had changed dramatically throughout the course of WW2 and had given Australia the chance of a different