World War 1 Assessment Lilli Chandler 19/8/2013
Source One - RecruitmentThe recruitment rate in Australia at the outbreak of World War I (1914) was initially very high. However soon after the war began, news began to filter back to Australia about the terrible conditions which soldiers were forced to endure on the battlefields. Casualty numbers also began to rise steeply. As a result, the AIF enlistment rate in Australia began to decline. This primary source was released on 24 June 1916. It was one of numerous posters to be displayed pressurising civilian men to join in the war effort. This recruitment poster is targeted towards an audience of men of fighting age, particularly those with a wife and children. Its aim is to make men think about the potential threat of war to the safety and security of their families. The slogan '45000 Australian Fathers are fighting ' reinforces the idea that women and children rely on their men for protection. There is also the implication that it would be shameful for fathers to ignore this message and promotes a sense of guilt in the viewer. It is also an appeal to women with children to encourage their husbands to make the future safe by fighting for their families. The use of a mother and daughter gives a personal touch to the image. The motive behind this poster is to increase army personnel numbers during a wartime period by utilising an intensified military recruitment drive. The ultimate aim is to pressurise men of fighting age to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force and actively participate in the war.Source Two - The Gallipoli Campaign (1915)The Gallipoli Campaign took place between 25 April and 20 December 1915. Winston Churchill launched an offensive on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an attempt to hasten the defeat of Germany The AIF was called upon to requisition 21,000 Australian troops to assist in the Gallipoli Campaign. The decision was made to launch a land attack. However the scheduled landing at Cape Tepe did not take place and the troops erroneously landed 2 miles north of their destination at what is now known as ANZAC cove. This oversight caused 2 00 casualties on the first day because rather than the intended flat land assault the troops, instead, were surrounded by steep, high cliff faces and continuous Turkish machine gun fire. Australian troops also fought alongside their allies in the 2nd Battle of Krithia 6 to 8 May, the 'Beachy Bill' Campaign on 5 May, the Battle of Lone Pine on6 August and the Battle of the Nek on 7 August. Fighting continued until December 1915 when a change of command led to orders being given to evacuate the troops from Gallipoli between 8 and 20 December.This primary source is a stirring handwritten Army Corps order from General W. Birdwood, to be read by his men, giving his instructions for the evacuation of the ANZACS from Gallipoli. His message is quite emotional and he appears to be very proud of their bravery and the way in which the troops have conducted...
