IndexAustralia's involvement in the First and Second World WarsConsequences of the wars for the social, economic and political life of AustraliaConclusionThe First and Second World Wars World wars represent a huge part of modern history with over 100 nations involved and millions killed. These wars are the largest-scale wars in world history, which is why they are so significant for all parties involved. Historians often try to consider which war had greater significance. Although global casualties and media inputs often suggest that World War II had much greater significance, this can be very misleading as there is much more to consider than just numerical value. By considering other factors, including the most memorable battles and economic and social impacts, we can compare and contrast World War I and World War II to understand which was of greater importance. This essay will aim to come to the conclusion whether the Second World War was indeed of greater importance and had a greater impact on Australia in particular, by examining Australia's involvement in each of these wars separately before making a judgment as to which had the greatest overall significance for Australia. This involves analyzing specific battles which saw large Australian involvement, including Gallipoli in the First World War and the Pacific War in the Second World War, as well as the social, political and economic impacts of both wars. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It would be easy to assume that, globally, World War II had much larger consequences than World War I, with a much higher death toll. But in terms of Australia, involvement is probably greater, according to statistics, in World War I than in World War II, with an estimated 60,000 Australians killed (in World War I and only 39,000 killed in World War II (according to Australian War Memorial, London) Australia's involvement in the First and Second World Wars was only the second time the Australian Army fought as a united nation. It was the first with 16,000 soldiers World War I began in 1914 when Britain and Germany entered the war as Australia was a close ally of Britain, we were soon involved in it Considering the most significant battles of both wars, Australia's involvement in the First World War is remembered by most Australians with the 1915 Gallipoli campaign, a British attempt to gain a new front to attack Germany and Austria across the Dardanelles, which did not go to plan resulting in a gruesome 8 month stalemate along with thousands of deaths. This is by far the most famous, significant and most talked about battle in Australian history. But this campaign means much more to Australia than just a battle – it is what this battle represents and has come to represent for Australian culture. According to the Australian War Memorial's chief historian, Dr Peter Stanley, “Gallipoli has become a symbol of Australia's national identity”. This symbol of our identity is the result of “The Anzac Myth”, the so-called legend that distracts Australians from the gruesome, horrible times of war and turns it into something to celebrate. This is a big problem in thehow the First World War is remembered by Australians, but it is also what makes it so significant. So why is the Gallipoli landing, the battle that killed 11,400 Australians and injured 24,000 others, such a proud moment in Australian history? Well Gallipoli is much more than just a battle, that's what it symbolized. This campaign shaped Australia's identity and identified what it meant to be Australian. Friendship, courage and compassion were what this country was built on, as a result of this war. And while many historians argue that this battle should not be as significant as it is, with Marilyn Lake of La Trobe University's history department stating that it was "not true that Australia's national identity was formed at Gallipoli , what matters is how this campaign will develop." be perceived forever by the public. The fact that Australia has National ANZAC Day to commemorate this single battle truly shows the significance of this battle and the significance it has had and will continue to have on Australia's identity. Australia's involvement in the Second World War is less represented and accounted for, although this does not diminish the contribution and significance to our nation that this war had. The significance of this war is first noted as the Second World War marked the first time in Australia's history that people felt directly threatened by an external aggressor. This is a fairly significant event that happened in this war that had a great effect on Australians. After the Japanese joined World War II, they declared war on the Americans and began what would be known as the Pacific War. Australia had a major involvement in this war, committing over 500,000 soldiers. During this war, weeks after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese planned to extend the battlefield to Australia, planning to bomb Brisbane and Darwin. They used the same carrier-based force they had used for Pearl Harbor to attack Darwin, which had become home to the most functional American military base in the Pacific. The initial plan to attack Darwin called for 188 planes loaded with 13,000 kilograms of bombs. Fortunately for Darwin (who would have been left shattered if this attack had taken place) American soldiers came to the rescue and were able to reduce the amount of damage caused by the bombing. Despite their best efforts, these bombings were still disastrous and had a dramatic effect on Australia. Overall, the official casualty figures amount to 243 dead and more than 300 injured. Considered by National Geographic to be the "most significant campaign fought by Australians during World War II", the Kokoda Trail was another very important battle for Australians during World War II, resulting in the deaths of a thousand men. Although this battle is not comparable to many others in statistical terms alone, the significance comes from other aspects. This campaign lasted four gruesome months in some of the worst conditions Australian troops had ever seen. Supply shortages and tropical diseases include some of the problems troops face in this campaign. The significance of this campaign to Australians is demonstrated by the fact that the Kokoda Trail has become a major tourist attraction, particularly for Australians, to remember and commemorate those who fought in this conflict. Overall, although this campaign cannot be compared to the significance of Gallipoli,, 25.