Why Australia Joined World War I In 1914 :: World War I History

Why Australia Joined World War I In 1914In 1914, Australia joined the First World War. Although it was seen as a European struggle, the Australia organisation decided that Australia should support its Mother Country, Britain. The prime-minister at the time, Joseph Cook, stated Australias position Whatever happens, Australia is a part of the Empire, right to the full. When the Empire is at state of war, Australia is at war. Many Australians objected to the countrys matter in the war, but the majority of the population agreed with the governments decision. Australia joined the war for umteen reasons, but two main reasons were Australia (as a counry) felt a loyalty towards the mother country, Britaain and that the war would be a good opportunity to correct Ausrtalias international reputation. Many individual Australians similarly joined the war for a variety of reasons. Some felt a strong loyalty to Britain who had support Australia, and now, they felt, was the time for them to do their bit. Others enlsted simply to prove they were brave enough to fight, but almost enlisted because their friends had. Some simply enlisted because they needed a job, pay, and regular meals, but many enlisted in the army for an adventure, not knowing the true horrors of war. Private A.J. McSparrow (former railroad worker from Parramatta, NSW), was one of the many men whwo enlisted because he felt that it was his debt instrument to support the mother country ...I contain (enlisted) ... and I dont regret it in the really least. I believe that it is every young fellows duty and ... we are the potpourri of men who should go.Private Antill enlisted because he needed the money, clothes and food and also because it was easier work than cabinet making ...I tell you what I have just joined the Australan army ... its not bad money here 5/- a day and clothes and food thats nearly as good as cabinet making and not half as hard.Lieutenant D.G. Armstrong (former bank clerk from Kyne ton, Victoria), thought that the war would be long opportunity to prove his strength and to show that he was not a coward...I am going to have a try for the war ... I think I ought to go, they want all they can arse about and ... I think its the greatest opportunity for a chap to garner a man of himself, those that come back from this war will be men of the right sort that anybody would be proud of.