This paper examines the socio-political relationship that existed between Britain and Australia prior to 1914 and the role of the Great War (WWI) in the development of Australia's own separate identity.
Abstract This paper explains that Australia's cultural, economic and defensive dependency upon Britain forged a sense of Australian identity that was intertwined with its British counterpart; however, at the conclusion of the war, Australia emerged as a nation skeptical of Britain's continued leadership, confident of its own military prowess and with its own Australian identity. The author points out that the battles of the Western Front and Gallipoli became the historical foundation, which helped to shape Australia's rugged, individual identity. The paper relates that, in the Digger Myth, Australian soldiers were seen to be athletic, hardy and resourceful to the point of perfection due to biological influences and experiences of a frontier lifestyle; however, these soldiers had never been truly battle tested. The author stresses that the 'Baptism of Fire' proved Australia's legitimacy as a fighting unit and as a nation.
Table of Contents:
Imperial Ties to the Australian Identity Prior to 1914
The 'Digger' Myth
From the Paper "When Britain declared war, 50,000 young, energetic Australian men immediately volunteered to fight for their nation as well as their native homeland of Britain in order to protect against the evil German menace. These men were primarily single men who were attracted by the steady pay of military service. Australian's wave of volunteers quickly waned as many of these eager young men were slain at Gallipoli and on the Western Front. In 1916, Australia gave 14,000 lives to the war effort and another 22,000 in 1917. In 1917, after Gallipoli, Australian enlistment dropped to 45,000 from a high of 166,000 in 1915."
Abstract This paper discusses why the execution of Charles the First was not followed by a speedy settlement. It looks at the English society at the time and examines why the years following the execution were filled with conflict between all sections of society and between many of the new Protestant religious sects which began to emerge in the new atmosphere of near-toleration.
From the Paper "The execution of the King in 1649 came after a series of abortive attempts by various elements within both Parliament and the Army to reach a settlement which would have allowed the King to remain as the head of state of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. Charles had refused them all and had eventually been responsible for the Second Civil War which ultimately sealed his fate. Events immediately following the conclusion of the war showed the way in which politics in England would be influenced by the bayonets of the Army until the Restoration in 1660 when George Monck would lead his troops through England and demand the return of Charles II. Colonel Pride's purge of those mainly Presbyterian MPs who it was thought would not support the trial of the King clearly illustrates the way in which the Army had become as much of a factor in government as either the King or Parliament."
This paper discusses Christopher Hill's "The World turned Upside Down", which is considered the best historical account of the English Revolution of the 17th century.
Abstract This paper explains that Hill's book, which broke new ground in historical investigation, brings forth a story of a revolution that was quietly taking place in England while Oliver Cromwell ordered the beheading of Charles I. The author points out that the Levellers, Quakers, and Diggers, together with other minor shared a common vision and tried to introduce change in the strict political and social systems of Britain. The paper relates that, while the movements fell apart with the restoration of monarchy, these visionaries are responsible for implanting the seeds of change, which later led to development of a modern, more equal, and fairer society.
From the Paper "The one major weakness of the book is the inability of the author to trace the true identity of these radicals. Who were they, which income group did they belong to, which area had they come from and were there more radicals in one area and less in another. Well these questions have largely remained unanswered as Hill focuses on their aims and accomplishments. We must also not forget that while these radical groups had one specific aim such as social and political change, they did not stand united on every issue. There were some division of thought, which might have been the cause of their failure later in 17th century, but their unity for most part was the main highlight of this radical period."
Abstract Gold was discovered in the Bendigo valley early in 1851. This discovery resulted in a large influx of fortune-seekers and a rapid increase in the population. In the 12 months of 1852 alone, 15,000 diggers produced 475,857 ounces. The last two mines closed in November 1954; Bendigo had yielded 22,500,000 ounces of gold and paid 12 million dollars in dividends. This paper examines the town's history and the social problems caused by dependence upon one industry and the fluctuating population. It explores the issues of legislation, land reform and sanitation.
Outline
The First Gold Discoveries
Life in the Gold Fields
Sandhurst's Birth
Dissent in the Valley
Armed Rebellion
Resolving the Land Issue
The Growth of Sandhurst
From the Paper "There was continual animosity between the puddlers and the townsfolk/diggers. A new course for the creek had been cut from the vicinity of Golden Square to Epsom but it afforded only temporary relief: it soon filled with sludge. The issue was referred to the Commissioner of Public Works and in January 1857 the Government let tenders for cutting portions of a new channel and for clearing, widening and deepening the old, at a cost of ?7,200. Within the year, the new channels were almost choked. A fee of ?12 per puddling machine per annum was introduced for the maintenance of the facilities until a main sludge channel was provided. "
