The Importance Of Loyalty In World War I

World War I was a time full of despair, it saw courageous soldiers valiantly defend our freedom, leaving anxious families behind to face the prospect that their loved ones may never return. Upon the arrival of the ANZACs in Gallipoli on the 25th of April 1915, the realities set upon the diggers, compelling them to find solace in the luring mateship. As “the only thing that makes battle psychologically tolerable is the brotherhood among soldiers.” Each soldier was an innocent witness to the unforgettable, unimaginable, and unspeakable horrors of war, which made it an eternal journey. These terrifying memories were never forgotten, leaving the soldiers being constantly haunted by the terrors, the heartache, and the blood continually engrained …show more content…
Major General John Gellibrand described Tasmania’s growing society, as being held together during World War I purely “due to the universal devotion to a common cause.” Although the division in our society was always known, when the soldiers returned it became magnified; between those with immense courage to fight for their country and those who relinquished their duty. The vast majority of Australians shared an undying loyalty towards England, compatible with Prime Minister Joseph Cook’s statement; “if the old country is at war so are we” on the 1st August 1914. This shared passion deceived many and put a great strain on the Tasmanian economy, with the loss of the German, Austrian, and Hungarian trade markets. Despite the state’s economic crisis, the loss of their trade wasn’t critical or devastating due to Australia’s obligatory hatred towards Germany and allies over the war. The disruption also boosted the Australian manufacturing, with companies obtaining many new export trade deals – Australia’s steel and chemical industries received a significant boost. It was during the years following the war, when Australia truly began to notice the economy crisis. However, Australia’s newfound international profile lessened the economic crisis with a larger influx of new trade …show more content…
During the war, women were often underappreciated and went unnoticed despite their large contributions. Many served as nurses, and attended daily to the war victims; who had obtained horrifying injuries, or were suffering from severe mental discomfort. Despite the common belief, these women worked in war zones and were rarely sheltered from the terrors of war, just like the ANZACs they deserve to be remembered. Lydia King and Ella Tucker were two Australian nurses who often confided in their diaries to express the stressful and almost surreal nature of their