Special Sub-Topic: Australia in World War II Authored by: JayJay22 Sub-topic of: Australian Military

When did Australia declare itself in World War II after Britain's declaration of war on September 3, 1939?

Several hours later. Australia was part of the British Empire and felt a duty of loyalty to the "Mother Country", so some hours after Britain declared war on Germany, Australia followed suit.

Which British naval base fell to the Japanese in February 1942?

Singapore. Singapore, which had been modernized at great expense in 1937-39, was Britain's "guarantee" to Australia. If war came close to the continent, then British navy would defend its "daughter" country. The fall of Singapore was significant as it left Australia dangerously exposed to attack from Japan.

After which major event did Australia change its favour for Britain to the United States?

All of these (Fall of Singapore, Attack on Pearl Harbour, Bombing of Darwin). The fall of Singapore left Australia vulnerable to the Japanese. The attack on Pearl Harbour by the Japanese brought the USA into WWII, and so Australia saw them as a "fresh" source of help. The bombing of Darwin brought the Second World War to the Australian homeland, so they looked to America.

Which of the following roles did Australian women NOT fulfil during the Second World War?

Fighting at the front. Women did not fight directly in World War II for Australia. However, WWII presented a major change in their role that remained even after the actual war. Many women took up jobs on farms and in factories that men left behind, with many remaining the breadwinners after the war. The Women's Land Army helped the war effort, along with other female groups, helping on farms and elsewhere in the economy. Female nurses played a vital role in World War II.

When Australia felt threatened by a Japanese invasion, which country sent troops to help defend it?

America. When Australia made her call to the USA for support during the war, America sent an army to help defend its new ally, and the American presence had profound effects on the Australian social and economic scene, for example, the introduction of Coca Cola.

How did the Aboriginal people of Australia benefit by the American presence in the country?

They saw how the African American troops were treated and this inspired them to seek further rights. Many Aboriginal people saw the African American troops in Australia with skills, money and more civil rights, and some of them even communicated with these "brave friends", and this inspired to campaign for civil rights.

What happened to the Australian economy during World War II?

It saw a huge boom. As many Australian primary products were purchased as could be produced, and secondary industries manufactured many new goods for the Services. Rationing and restrictions meant that there were few consumer goods available, so personal savings rose. Manpower planning for essential industries also meant that there was full employment.

Which of these were NOT declared as "enemy aliens" during World War II and thus not interned?

Chinese. A number of Germans, Italians and (from 1941) Japanese were interned, in case they rebelled and were an "enemy within" to fear. Many of those interned were sent to farms to work.

In August 1941, Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies resigned; who soon took his place as a great wartime leader in October 1941?

John Curtin. Bob Hawke was Prime Minister of Australia from 1983-1991. Winston Churchill was Prime Minister of Britain ffrom 1940-45 and again from 1951-55. Jospeh Lyons was Prime Minister of Australia a decade before the War.

Which of the following occurred in Australia at the end of WWII?

The start of multiculturalism. Multiculturalism became a major part of Australia following World War II, with the continent taking in displaced migrants from northern and eastern European countries, however this was not treated "nicely" until the 1970's. The other three choices are made up and never occured after the War.