Australia's involvement in World War One can be seen by many as the very essence of Australia's identity, especially the involvement at the Gallipoli peninsular. The battle of Gallipoli was the first major step made by Australians towards nationhood and the development of the Anzac legend. This essay will highlight how these events created the Anzac legend.
The Gallipoli campaign and the Anzac legend that emerged from it have had a significant impact on ideas about Australia's national identity. Although a military defeat, the bravery and sacrifices associated with the eight-month struggle have had a profound effect on how Australians view this period. This can be perceived from C. E. W. Bean, the Official Australian War Correspondent in World War One. From the book 'The Story of the Anzacs' he wrote, " One shell today hit a man in the water and took off his arm - at least it was hanging by a thread and he came out of the water holding it.
Anzac, the landing 1915 by George Lambert, 1922 sh...
Monument to Atatürk
Gallipoli Campaign Türkçe: Çanakkale Savaşı M...It didn't stop the bathing". This showed the troops strong-minded and firm approach to the living conditions and to cope with it.
For many people, both then and now, the participation of the Australians soldiers in Gallipoli campaign was the real symbol of Australia's coming of Australia's coming of age as a nation. The experiences on the Gallipoli Peninsula formed the framework for a view of the characteristics that identified the 'true Australian'. People felt that the Gallipoli experience had marked the ways Australian soldiers could be distinguished from the troops of other national groups, especially the British. The Anzac Legend also reinforced the nineteenth century image of the unique attributes of the Australian 'bushman'.
Australians could be recognized by their common sense, their willingness to endure hardships, their bravery and resourcefulness, their spirit...