Did Australians Enlist In 1914 To Defend The Mother Country

To what extent did Australians enlist in 1914 to defend the ‘Mother Country’?

The colonial relationship between Australia and the ‘Mother Country’ Britain, had a profound effect on the decisions made by the thousands of young Australian men during 1914 at the onset of the First World War (WWI). Fervent nationalistic ties to Britain undoubtedly contributed to the deluge of youthful, enthusiastic men eager to render themselves available for overseas service. However, the reasons for their enlistment cannot be attributed to a single factor — the war spirit and the general belligerent enthusiasm within Australia certainly prompted some, while others were driven by the almost inherent glory associated with fighting alongside the all-powerful British

Young men were driven by the actions of their colleagues and comrades, and enlistments led to a flow-on effect. These young Australians were promised imperishable glory on return (and they imagined the conflict would be over by Christmas), and this attractive ruse of fame and honour was adequately significant to become a motivating factor in the minds of enlisting men. This glory was importantly considered to be an almost inherent part of fighting in a war alongside the British Empire. In 1914, the British Empire was at its pinnacle and was not only the largest empire, but also had the largest navy and the largest economy, making the possibility of the British Empire being defeated, or even the war extending over Christmas, almost inconceivable to the Australian public. The aptitude for adventure associated with young men was a particularly driving motive for enlistment. The war was seen as an opportunity to travel for many, and some thought of it as returning “home” while others may have been shamed by the earlier departures of relatives and friends. Men like Lance Corporal Mulvey exemplified this aptitude for adventure, attributing his enlistment to “being suited in physique and occupation and being prompted by a sense of duty and spirit of adventure”

The economic situation in Australia was unrelenting in 1914, and along with a devastating drought, ensued in the minimum four shilling a day wage, despite being slightly below the basic wage in Australia, becoming a very attractive alternative for many because of the difficulty finding employment in Australia. Robert Edmund Antill, a former cabinet maker, wrote in a letter that, “Philpott had only about 3 days work left for us and things are so bad out here for there is a drought on” (1914 - 1917). Those afflicted by impecuniosity felt enlistment was the simplest way to maintain stable employment, and help financially sustain their families. Many were left no choice but to leave Australia and enlist in hope of earning enough to sustain the family they left back