Topic 1: Australia (1901–56)

Australia emerged as a nation since federation, with its national identity predominantly shaped by three major events: the First World War, the Great Depression, and the Second World War. As a consequence, Australia developed domestic policies and forged international relationships that sought to influence the nation’s social, economic, and political future. 

A background study introduces students to Australia’s emergence as a nation and its response domestically and externally to the First World War, the Great Depression, the Second World War, and their impacts.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• the response to economic challenges
• a changing society
• political responses to the challenges.

Background study

The search for national identity

• An economic, social, and political overview of Australia at Federation, including imperial links, the White Australia Policy, and the status of and attitudes towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• The impact of the First World War on Australia, with a focus on national identity.
• National identity reflected in the arts, including the film industry.
• The impact of the Second World War on Australian identity and the move to the American alliance. 

Focus areas

The response to economic challenges

• The Great Depression in Australia, including mass unemployment and the role of support agencies.
• Economic challenges between and after both wars, including rationing and infrastructure development.
• The search for new trading partners after the Second World War.
• The role of migration in economic development.

A changing society

• Social policies in response to times of prosperity during the 1920s, including the needs of returned service personnel, mass unemployment in the Great Depression, and the changing roles of women on the Home Front during and after both wars.
• The contributions, challenges, and successes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 
• The impact of new forms of leisure and entertainment on society. 
• The nature and impact of mass migration from Europe.

Political responses to the challenges

• The aims of the Australian political system post-Federation.
• The reasons for, and influence of, the development of political parties. 
• The role of ideas and individuals in development of the Australian political system.
• Australia’s role in the United Nations.