History General Notes WW1 and WW2 Flashcards
What did the War Precautions Act 1914 provide to the government?
Extensive powers, including the internment of individuals deemed a threat.
This act allowed for significant government control during WWI.
Who faced significant discrimination and suspicion during World War I?
German-Australians.
Many were interned in camps despite having lived in Australia for generations.
What happened to businesses owned by people of German descent during World War I?
They were often boycotted or seized.
This was part of the broader discrimination against German-Australians.
What is the definition of ‘enemy alien’ during World War I?
Expanded to include naturalized citizens and those with distant German ancestry.
This broadened definition led to increased restrictions.
What restrictions were placed on enemy aliens during World War I?
Restrictions on movement, employment, and property ownership.
These measures were based on fears of espionage and sabotage.
What was the initial approach to military recruitment during World War I?
Reliance on voluntary enlistment.
As casualties mounted, recruitment drives intensified.
What were the conscription referendums of 1916 and 1917?
Highly divisive votes that ultimately failed to pass.
These referendums highlighted the contentious issue of conscription in Australia.
What role was promoted for women during World War I?
War work, filling roles vacated by men serving overseas.
This marked a significant change in women’s participation in the workforce.
What was the concept of ‘reserved occupations’ during World War I?
To keep essential workers from enlisting.
This was crucial for maintaining vital industries during the war.
How did rationing during World War I compare to World War II?
Rationing was less severe during WWI.
Shortages of some goods, particularly imported items, did occur.
What measures were taken to control prices during World War I?
Price controls were implemented on some essential commodities.
This was part of the government’s effort to manage resources.
What was the purpose of the censorship allowed by the War Precautions Act?
To control information about military operations.
This was aimed at maintaining public support for the war.
What was the ‘white feather’ concept during World War I?
Used to shame men into enlisting.
This symbol became associated with encouraging enlistment.
What act allowed the government to detain suspected enemy aliens during World War II?
The National Security Act 1939.
This act was similar in purpose to the War Precautions Act of WWI.
Which groups were targeted as enemy aliens during World War II?
Italian and Japanese-Australians, in addition to German-Australians.
This represented an expansion of the concept of enemy aliens.
What were the conditions of enemy aliens during World War II?
Internment in camps without trial and restrictions on movement, employment, and property ownership.
The treatment was more systematic compared to WWI.
What was the geographical limit placed on conscription during World War II?
Conscripts could be sent to Australia and its territories, but volunteers were required for overseas service.
This limited the reach of conscription in WWII.
How did the role of women change during World War II?
Women were mobilized in large numbers for war work, including in factories and on farms.
This marked a significant shift in gender roles during the war.
What were ration books used for during World War II?
To control consumption of a wide range of goods.
This was part of the government’s rationing measures.
What was the purpose of propaganda campaigns during World War II?
To emphasize national unity, the threat of invasion, and the need for sacrifice.
These campaigns aimed to rally support for the war effort.
What was a key difference in government power between World War I and World War II?
The government significantly expanded its powers in both wars, but WWII saw a more systematic approach.
This included more extensive controls over the home front.
What was a notable difference in the treatment of enemy aliens between the two world wars?
WWII saw a more systematic and extensive approach to internment.
This reflected the heightened fears of the time.
How did propaganda and censorship differ between World War I and World War II?
The sophistication and reach of propaganda increased in WWII due to advancements in media.
Both wars used these tools extensively.
