Anzac Legend Research Paper

One hundred years ago a young nation was born out of the bloody battlefields of World War 1. Immense national pride swooned throughout the country and those men who fought against insurmountable odds, in horrendous conditions, are attributed to our national identity from 1915 to modern times. These men were celebrated as heroes, referred to with reverence and honoured each year after their infamous “baptism of fire”. They were the ANZACs.

Good morning/afternoon, today I would like to address the issue of the Anzac legend, specifically how it has become a tool of propaganda rather than a factual account of Australians’ experiences during World War I. Despite being based in factual events, the Anzac legend fails to acknowledge the harsh realities

As Stephens, a journalist for The Age newspaper comments, there is something about Gallipoli that touches a sentimental chord in all of us, far more than federation, which is when Australian actually became a nation. Gallipoli has become a story that generations have been told as part of their cultural and national identity. Unfortunately, much of the original story has been exaggerated and changed over time to suit the needs of the country during times of

Memoriam notices published in the Argus newspaper a year later revealed the beliefs, values and attitudes of the families who lost loved ones during the landing at Gallipoli. According to them, these men did a noble duty, were brave and loyal and faced fearful odds. It also highlights the importance of mateship when mothers mourn the loss of their son’s comrade and console themselves with the idea that at least their sons would be buried by their friends. Naturally family members grieving would not speak negatively of their loved ones, but this source helps us to understand how the Anzac legend was reinforced during the war, even after the men had evacuated Gallipoli conceding