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Australians at War History

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Australians at War History

Read the short history, use the timeline, then answer each question. Wars affected people in different ways, and remembering them includes asking thoughtful questions.

A short history of Australians at war

Before Australia became a federation in 1901, men from its separate colonies served in the Boer War in southern Africa. In 1914, Australia entered the First World War as part of the British Empire. Australian and New Zealand troops landed at Gallipoli, in present-day Türkiye, on 25 April 1915. The campaign was costly and ended with an Allied withdrawal. The word ANZAC comes from Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. Australia also served in the Second World War (1939–1945). Many people served overseas, while people at home worked in essential jobs and faced wartime changes. In later decades, Australians served in conflicts including the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War lasted from 1962 to 1972. ANZAC Day is held each year on 25 April. It began as a day to remember the Gallipoli landing and is now a time to remember Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. People may remember service while also reflecting on the human costs of war. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in Australia’s armed forces, despite facing discrimination and restrictions at different times.

1899–1902: Boer War service by men from Australian colonies

1901: Australia becomes a federation

1914–1918: First World War; Gallipoli landing in 1915

1939–1945: Second World War

1962–1972: Australian involvement in the Vietnam War

Read, connect and reflect

Use evidence from the history and timeline.

1.Which conflict involved Australian colonial forces before federation? Choose one.

The Boer War
The Vietnam War
The Second World War

2.In which year did the Gallipoli landing take place?

3.True or false: Australia became a federation before the First World War began in 1914.

TrueFalse

4.Complete the sentence using the history: ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Corps.

5.What does ANZAC Day on 25 April remember today, according to the passage?

6.Match each conflict to its date range, using the timeline and passage.

First World War
Second World War
Australian involvement in the Vietnam War

1939–1945
1962–1972
1914–1918

7.The passage says people at home worked in essential jobs during the Second World War. Give one reason this work could have mattered to the country.

8.The passage says Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served despite discrimination and restrictions. What does this contrast tell us about their experiences?

9.A visitor says, “Remembering war means celebrating every part of it.” Use an idea from the passage to explain why remembrance can be more thoughtful than celebration alone.