Why did Australia become involved in World War I?

Answer 1

Australia and WW1When Britain declared war in 1914 it declared war on behalf of the entire British Empire, and that included Australia. When the Britians entered the World War 1 they called for help as they had not much of an army. India, Canada and Australia came to their aid. India suppied over a million troops.

Australia became involved in World War One in August 1914 as Britain was preparing to declare war on Germany. At the time Andrew Fisher (future Australian prime minister) promised that Australia would stand behind their mother country. He believed this war to be a noble cause where Australians could demonstrate their loyalty.

Australia became involved in World War 1 for three main reasons. Firstly, although they were known a nation of its own, they still held close ties to the mother country, Britain. Secondly, if Australia became involved, other countries would have a greater respect for the diminutive new nation. Thirdly, at the time Andrew Fisher promised that Australia would stand behind their mother country. He believed this war to be a noble cause where Australians could demonstrate their loyalty. Most thought of themselves as 'Australasian Britons', bound to Britain by 'the crimson thread of kinship' and a proud junior partner in the empire. The service of over 320,000 Australians in the Great War would offer the first substantial challenge to that view and would stimulate the growth of a self-conscious Australian nationalism. Approximately 98% of Australia?s non-indigenous population was of British descent. Therefore, most felt incredibly dedicated towards the empire. Australia's dual loyalty was evident in the name of the volunteer force formed in September 1914, the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). Its first members sailed for the war in November 1914. They had enlisted with mixed motives: to serve King and Empire, to have an adventure, to see the world, to do the right thing. One man in five had been born in Britain; many enlisted in the hope of a trip home before seeing active service.

See the Wikipedia link to the right for more information.

Answer 2

Australia declared war in World War 1 because people were eager for war. War was seen as glorious and for a 'just' cause.

It was also because Australia saw itself as English and wanted to stay loyal to 'Mother England'.

Answer 3

Australia was a country made up primarily of people of British decent and as a result whenBritain went to war Australia automatically offered its services to help the Mother country. All the men that served in the Australian army were volunteer's.

Answer 4

Put simply, it was because every major country in Europe distrusted every other country in Europe and so they formed alliances which, when war broke out between Austria-Hungary and Serbia, brought every power in Europe into the war, one by one...

The UK, France and Russia were allied in the "Triple Entente", while Germany, Austria-Hungary and Italy were allied as the "Central Powers".

It became a World War because Britain, France and Germany all had overseas empires. And war was fought in Africa also. Later, the USA also got involved.

Answer 5

Australia was part of World War 1 because of Britain. Britain made an ally with Australia before WW1 started and Australia was part of the British empire.

Answer 6

because they wanted to :)