What did the Australian people think of World War 2?

Answer 1

It depends. I cannot speak for all of Australia, so I will give my opinion. The WW2 was a devastating war. I think we should stop these wars before a third one occurs. I'm not a tree hugger, but I don't love violence.

Since the question is asking for the opinion at the time, most people were supportive of the war offensive because the threat was real and imminent. Keep in mind that the Japanese did reach and bomb both Sydney Harbour and Darwin. There was patriotic enthusiasm and support for participation in the war in order to stem the advances of the axis forces. It was more likely for there to be criticism of those who weren't directly or apparently part of the war effort at home or abroad, as evidenced by the unkind practice of giving white feathers to men still at home.

As a contrast, after Vietnam the returning soldiers were justifiably expecting to be treated with some recognition of their sacrifice just as the returned soldiers from World War Two were, but public attitudes had changed and that particular war was not as well supported as the first two.