Australia’s involvement in WWII
What were the pre-war alliances in Europe?
Allies (Britain, France, Soviet Union) vs. Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan).
What was the home front like during WWII in Australia?
Censorship, propaganda, conscription, government control of war industries.
What were the key government policies impacting the rights and freedoms of First Nations Australians?
Protectionism (1800s), Assimilation (1950s), Integration (1960s), Self-Determination (1970s), Reconciliation (1990s onwards).
What was the 1965 Freedom Rides?
A protest led by Charles Perkins against racial segregation and poor living conditions of First Nations Australians in rural NSW.
What was the Mabo Decision (1992)?
A court ruling that recognized native title and overturned the concept of terra nullius.
What were the causes of World War II?
Treaty of Versailles, rise of fascism, expansionism by Germany and Japan, failure of appeasement.
What was the role of Australian women during WWII?
Women served in armed forces auxiliaries, worked in factories, and supported the war effort from home.
What was the impact of the Protectionism policy?
Forced First Nations Australians onto reserves, limiting their freedom and access to land.
What was the 1967 Referendum?
A vote that allowed the federal government to make laws for First Nations Australians and include them in the census.
What was the Bringing Them Home Report (1997)?
A report detailing the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the impact of removing Aboriginal children from their families.
Where did Australians fight during WWII?
Europe (e.g., Greece, Crete), North Africa, Pacific (e.g., Papua New Guinea), Southeast Asia.
What role did First Nations people play in WWII?
Many First Nations Australians served in the armed forces, despite discriminatory policies.
What was the impact of the Assimilation policy?
Sought to absorb First Nations Australians into white society, often leading to the loss of culture and identity.
What was the 1966 Wave Hill Walk-Off?
A protest by Vincent Lingiari and the Gurindji people demanding better wages and land rights.
What was the Reconciliation March (2000)?
A public demonstration of support for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
How did the nature of warfare change during WWII?
Introduction of tanks, aircraft, radar, naval warfare, and atomic bombs.
What were POWs’ experiences like for Australians in WWII?
Thousands of Australians were taken as prisoners of war, particularly by the Japanese, and endured harsh conditions.
What was the 1938 Day of Mourning?
A protest by Aboriginal Australians against 150 years of colonization and its impact on Indigenous people.
What was the Tent Embassy (1972)?
A protest site set up in Canberra to demand Aboriginal land rights.
Why did Australia become involved in WWII?
Australia was part of the British Empire and later needed to defend itself from Japanese expansion in the Pacific.
What was the Yirrkala Bark Petition (1963)?
A petition presented by the Yolngu people protesting mining operations on their land without their consent.
What was the Racial Discrimination Act (1975)?
Legislation that made racial discrimination illegal in Australia.