What are some events that have shaped Australia?

Answer 1

Ok well this is actually my Gr9 Sose Essay!

(which I am writing right now...)

nice essay The two world wars, the Vietnam War, the Great Depression and multiculturalism in the 20th century, have changed and shaped many peoples lives. The Great Depression began in October 1929 when the stock market in the United States crashed; it turned out to be an economic disaster. Australia's extreme dependence on exports especially primary products such as wool and wheat was one of the hardest hit countries in the Western world. Unemployment reached a record high almost 29% in 1932. It was one of the highest rates in the world. There were also incidents of civil unrest, in 1931 over 1000 unemployed men marched in Perth Western Australia to see the then Premier Sir James Mitchell. Construction was virtually halted. Farming and rural areas suffered as crop prices fell. Mining and logging areas had the most difficulty because the demand fell sharply, there were few employment alternatives. Children were sent away to live wither grandparents or aunts and uncles. Families were forced to close up businesses or move out of rented business or homes and live with other family members. Men were forced away from home in search of work. Poverty was prevalent; it often meant people could not afford any type of warmth, often no electricity for lighting or cooking, if they were sick there was not enough money for medicines. The Great Depression was sometimes known as 'the hungry years'. The Great Depression also taught lessons of tolerance, humility, humour, courage, the power of money and mateship. An initial reaction to the news of World War 1 was of enthusiastic support for Britain and support for Australians part in the war. Churches community leaders, newspapers and political parties were very supportive. It was seen as a moral and necessary commitment. Only the fittest and healthiest were accepted into the army. As time went on there were hints and suggestion of great bitterness and divisions in the Australian society. The landing at Gallipoli was a major even that changed Australia forever. Australia had been a nation for just 14 years. Gallipoli was affirmation of Australia's national worth. The Anzacs were born and today in the year 2007 national pride and understanding of what these men sacrificed seems to be growing. The war had a great effect on the Australian economy. One of the earliest impacts of the war was government's cancellation of trade agreements with Germany and Austria- Hungary. One good thing for the economy was the war provided a form of protection to Australian industries - removing competition. By the end of the war more than 400 products were being produced in Australia which had not been produced before the war. Significant changes to Australia were felt from the effects of WW1 Destruction of a generation of men; women had to replace men in the workplace. On their return household violence was more common as well as drunkenness.

i have used many resources for this:

http://www.42explore2.com/depresn.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/greatdepression/

http://www.anzacday.org.au/history/ww1/homefront/homefront.html

http://www.firstworldwar.com/features/casualties.htm

What_were_the_effects_of_World_War_1_on_Australia