World War I

From 1914 to 1918, over 324,000 Australians served overseas in World War I, with two-thirds becoming casualties. Their experiences had long-lasting effects on them, their families and society.

Topics

A topic is a collection of records with interpretation and inquiry questions. Each topic is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and focuses on an aspect of Australian history.

Topic

World War I: Armistice

After more than four years of hardship, courage and sacrifice, the fighting on the Western Front came to an end on 11 November 1918.
Topic

World War I: Chinese Anzacs

More than 200 Australians of Chinese heritage enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force during World War I.
Topic

World War I: Commemoration

Commemoration played an important role in helping Australians to come to terms with the physical and emotional costs of World War I.
Topic

World War I: Conscription

In 1916, Prime Minister Billy Hughes called for a plebiscite on the issue of conscription for war service. He hoped to make military service compulsory.
Topic

World War I: Gallipoli

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) troops landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in Turkey.
Topic

World War I: Indigenous Anzacs

An estimated 1,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people served with the Australian Imperial Force in World War I.
Topic

World War I: Nurses

More than 2000 Australian nurses served in the Australian Army Nursing Service during World War I.
Topic

World War I: Recruitment

The call to defend Australia, and the British Empire, inspired thousands to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF).
Topic

World War I: Repatriation of veterans

When troops returned from World War I and disembarked at docks across Australia, they carried the effects of their experiences in this terrible and destructive war.