Social Impact of World War II on Australia
World War II evidently affected Australia in many ways. The effects at home in Australia were very crucial in this segment as well.
Short Term Effects
When Australian Prime Minister Robert Gordon Menzies declared war on Germany and announced the participation of Australia into World War II, there was not any imminent direct threat towards Australia. This was as the war seemed as if it would mainly be situated in Europe and be categorized as an "European Conflict'. Australia was also very far from Europe.
Even though, Northern Australia had suffered air attacks by the Japanese, the lives of most Australians were not physically harmed. However, all lives were influenced in one way or another. One positive the war had on society was the creation of jobs. A few industries boomed during this time just like in World War I. The government gave priority to manufacturing industries and Britain had them manufacture war materials like munitions and food supplies in the agriculture industry. The high intensity of products being shipped away for the war effort led to shortages in Australia. This led to an unfortunate circumstance - rationing.
Just like in World War I, women now had employment. This was due to the vacancies caused by the men overseas at war. Most were employed in factories, local shops or family businesses. Initially, women were only encouraged to participate in everyday jobs that a most people did but soon that changed. However, the entire "European Conflict" perception was over when there was a threat of a Japanese Invasion in 1941. This meant that Australia had a dilemma concerning the lives at home. Women were now encouraged to take part in military services for the first time even though they did not fight in the front line . This helped pave the way for women to be treated equally at a workplace today and be permitted to participate in any occupation they would like to.
Just like in World War I, women now had employment. This was due to the vacancies caused by the men overseas at war. Most were employed in factories, local shops or family businesses. Initially, women were only encouraged to participate in everyday jobs that a most people did but soon that changed. However, the entire "European Conflict" perception was over when there was a threat of a Japanese Invasion in 1941. This meant that Australia had a dilemma concerning the lives at home. Women were now encouraged to take part in military services for the first time even though they did not fight in the front line . This helped pave the way for women to be treated equally at a workplace today and be permitted to participate in any occupation they would like to.
According to the National Archives of Australia, over 993,000 Australians served in the armed forces during World War II. 27,073 were killed in action or died, 23,477 were wounded, and 30,560 were taken as prisoners of war by other nations. Of those taken prisoner, 8296 died while in captivity. This meant that millions of families were now shattered and now and lost members.At the end of World War II, approximately 4% of the world had died. According to Jean King who was a wife of a serviceman in WW2, families were never the same. Servicemen who returned from war could look at life the same way again - no one could. Soldiers would feel post - traumatic stress and would grieve all wrongdoings they participated in. They would suffer from shock and were now mentally unstable. Many soldiers and civilians took their own lives away. Jean King's husband would soon leave the area and moved alone into a more secluded area. Many soldiers would take up habits such as alcohol and would vent out their stress on others.
*To watch the entire interview with Jean King, click the link below.*
http://generator.acmi.net.au/education-themes/conflict-australians-war/world-war-ii/battle-australia
Long Term Effects
World War II has had many lasting impacts on Australia. The most dreaded impact remembered is the numerous Cold Wars around the world soon after. This took away many lives and only added salt to the wound. There was also the Vietnam War. Many people also emigrated from Australia fearing future invasion attempts from Japan. However, the war has built many relationships with international powerhouses that have only benefited Australia. Soon in to the war, Australia realized that they could not only rely on Britain for protection. This opened up the flourishing relationship with The United States of America. The war also helped the middle class extremely well and many industries began to boom.
World War II has had many impacts that can still be felt today. It has really changed the way humans perceive things. We have turned into more matured people and have learned from our mistakes.
World War II has had many impacts that can still be felt today. It has really changed the way humans perceive things. We have turned into more matured people and have learned from our mistakes.