Impact of WW2 on Australians Flashcards
What were enemy aliens?
German born people living in Australia classified as ‘Enemy Aliens’ during WWII
This classification was established by Australian law in 1939 and later included Italians and Japanese.
What concerns arose in Australia with the outbreak of WWII regarding enemy aliens?
Concerns about German ‘fifth-columnists’ and fears of a Japanese invasion
These concerns led to the internment of many individuals based on their nationality.
How many people were interned in Australia during WWII?
Approximately 7000 Australian residents, 8000 overseas internees, and 19000 enemy POWs
Internment occurred from 1939 to 1946.
What facilities were used for internment camps in Australia?
Repurposed facilities, including:
* Long Bay jail, New South Wales
* Northam racecourse, Western Australia
* Keswick army barracks, South Australia
What were the conditions like in internment camps for enemy aliens?
Internment camps had military oversight, were surrounded by barbed wire, and had strict surveillance
Internees experienced restrictions on freedom and were often separated from families.
What was the Dunera boys’ story?
Around 2000 mainly Jewish refugees from Nazi Germany and Austria deported to Australia in 1940
They were labeled ‘enemy aliens’ despite fleeing persecution.
What happened during the Cowra breakout?
On 5 August 1944, Japanese POWs staged a breakout, resulting in over 230 Japanese deaths and 4 Australian soldier deaths
They used improvised weapons to overcome guards.
What roles did women take in the Australian Armed Services during WWII?
Women served in non-combatant auxiliary branches including:
* Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS)
* Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF)
* Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS)
* Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS)
What was the pay disparity for women in the military during WWII?
Women initially received two-thirds of male pay rates, later increased to 75% from 1943
This disparity highlighted gender equality issues in the workforce.
What were the contributions of Indigenous Australians during WWII?
Approximately 3000 Indigenous Australians enlisted, despite initial enlistment restrictions
They served in various capacities, including the Snake Bay Patrol and NT Special Reconnaissance Unit.
What treatment did Australian POWs receive from Germans?
Generally better treatment with adherence to Geneva Conventions, though many were still malnourished
They could receive supplies from the Red Cross and were assigned to work on farms or factories.
How were Australian POWs treated by the Japanese?
Harshly, with frequent beatings, starvation, and no adherence to Geneva Conventions
Many died from malnutrition, disease, and harsh working conditions.
What cultural views influenced Japanese treatment of POWs?
Bushido code emphasized loyalty and honor, leading to contempt for surrendering soldiers
This ideology resulted in brutal treatment of enemy prisoners.
Fill in the blank: The Australian Women’s Land Army (AWLA) was formed to _______.
maintain food production during WWII
True or False: The Australian government officially acknowledged the discrimination faced by Indigenous veterans in 2009.
True
What were the main roles of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS)?
Drivers, clerks, intelligence officers, signallers, and mechanics
What were the living conditions for Australian POWs held by the Germans?
Spartan, with better food and medical care compared to Japanese POWs
They lived under conditions that followed the Geneva Conventions.
What was the impact of WWII on women’s roles in the workforce?
Women filled roles left by men in both traditionally male and female occupations
This included work in munitions factories, transport, and civil defense.
What was the primary diet for Australian POWs under Japanese captivity?
Thin gruel made from rice and a very small amount of vegetables
at peak occupancy, internment camps in australia held over
12,000 people,
what was the mental health like of those interned
Many were clinically depressed, and several internees committed suicide.
the internment camp tatura in victoria had:
Tatura camps were surrounded by two or three parallel rows of perimeter fences up to 10 feet high
internes were given _________ to collect their belongings
only several hours, after being rounded up,
who were the snake bay patrol?
35 ATSI people employed by the military in 1942, but not properly registered in the military
what was the pay or the snake bay patrol
Served full time and received zero pay. Weren’t even acknowledged until 1962
where did the recconaisance unit the snake bay patrol patrol?
melville islands, detecting naval bombs
what were examples of racism after ww2 to ATSI people?
- Food, housing and welfare services provided by the Army were better than what many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had experienced before the war
- Only a small percentage of settlement blocks were allocated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicemen.
- For decades, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans were excluded from ANZAC Day ceremonies and war memorials.
- Their service was often ignored in official histories of Australia’s military efforts.
- It wasn’t until 2009 that the Australian government officially acknowledged the discrimination faced by Indigenous veterans.
