The impact of the First World War on the Australian home front.

The First World War had a colossal impact on the Australian home front. These include the birth of the ANZAC Legend, the considerable role women played in the war, the issue of conscription and the sectarianism that was prevalent in Australian society.

The most important and significant result of the war was the emergence of the ANZAC Legend. The ANZAC Legend had such a momentous impact on Australian society because the legend offered a reformed national identity for Australians. Although the Gallipoli campaign was unsuccessful, it was the sheer courage and sacrifice that the Australian troops showed that had a profound effect on Australian's and consequently, the nation became of age. The image of the 'true Australian" was that of common sense, the toleration of hardship, their courage and initiative and their fierce independence. Before the war, Australia was the offspring of Britain, part of the empire. During the war, Australia proved and distinguished themselves as a separate entity to Britain.

Australian Coat of Arms (adopted 1912)

Naval officers standing with William Morris Hughes

Anzac, the landing 1915 by George Lambert, 1922 sh...

For eg, In comparison to Britain, Australia was remarkably different in assigning Australian troops as officers on the basis of their ability, not their social class. Australian troops battled severe plagues of disease, the ever-present threat of death and enormous amounts of psychological trauma and yet they still remained true to the Aussie spirit. This is the ANZAC Legend; that even when faced with trying and desperate times, the Australian spirit of comradeship and courage remained strong.

Another considerable shift for Australia, as a result of the war, was the dramatic transformation of the role women played in the war effort. When the war broke out, the workforce did not desperately need to replace the men who had left for war and a woman's place was still considered to be in the home. With the government...