Notes

During World War 1, Australia's relations with Britain and America changed dramatically due to a series of events that led to differing opinions. Although Northern Australia suffered from air raids by the Japanese, the lives of most Australians were not physically affected. Nevertheless, all lives were affected in one way or another. One positive effect of the war on society was the creation of jobs. Some industries boomed during this time, just as they had during the First World War. The government prioritised manufacturing industries and Britain let them produce war materials such as munitions and food in agriculture. The high intensity of products being shipped for the war effort caused shortages in Australia. This led to an unfortunate circumstance - rationing. The Second World War was significant enough in itself to bring about change in most industrialised countries, including Australia, whose participation was partly due to its alliance with Britain. On 3 September 1939, when Britain and France declared war on Germany after the invasion of Poland, Prime Minister Menzies simply declared on Australia's behalf that since Britain was at war, Australia was at war. Four months later, the first convoy of 20,000 Australian troops set off. This changed Australia's perception of international relations, culture, foreign policy and immigration forever.