Immediate Consequences of WWII
How many Australians were killed in WWII?
Approximately 39,000
Who was the first Minister for Immigration who launched the “Populate or Perish” policy?
Arthur Calwell
When did construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme begin?
1949
What was the “suburban dream” in post-war Australia?
A home on a quarter-acre block with a backyard and car.
What major national project was disrupted by the war, leaving Australia without a fully functioning capital city?
What was the “Ten Pound Pom” scheme?
A program offering British migrants passage to Australia for just £10.
How many workers were involved in the Snowy Scheme, and where did most of them come from?
Over 100,000 workers, with two-thirds being migrants from Europe.
Name one major infrastructure development in Canberra during the 1950s–60s.
Schools, hospitals, housing, or Lake Burley Griffin.
Give two examples of shortages in Australia immediately after WWII.
Shortages of housing, labour, materials, and resources.
How many migrants arrived in Australia between 1945 and 1965?
Over 2 million.
Name two engineering achievements of the project.
16 dams, 7 power stations, 145 km of tunnels.
How did the baby boom contribute to housing pressure?
More children = more families needing houses, schools, and services.
Why was Canberra described as “a capital without a city” in the late 1940s?
Because it lacked proper housing, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure — most public servants lived in temporary accommodation.
Why were displaced persons from Europe important for Australia’s growth?
They provided labour for rebuilding cities, factories, and projects like the Snowy Hydro.
How did the Snowy Hydro Scheme help integrate migrants into Australian society?
Migrants worked alongside Australians, learning English and building communities.
What role did technology (like TV, cars, appliances) play in shaping post-war Australian lifestyle?
It modernised daily life, created a consumer society, and connected people to global culture.
Why did homelessness increase in Australia after WWII?
Returning soldiers, population growth, and housing shortages meant many families lived in hostels, army barracks, or temporary shelters.
Explain how immigration contributed to both the economy and multicultural identity of post-war Australia.
Migrants boosted the workforce, supported industry, and introduced cultural diversity that reshaped Australian identity.
Why is the Snowy Scheme considered more than just an engineering project?
It symbolised nation-building, multicultural cooperation, and economic progress.
How did Canberra’s completion reflect Australia’s national stability?
It showed the nation had recovered from wartime instability and built a functional, permanent capital city.