Conscription

By Kirstie

  • Enlistment

    Enlistment
    Many Australian men enlisted for the war with great enthusiasm. In July 1915 36 575 men joined. Most Australians supported involvement in the war. However enlistments soon began to decline and PM Hughes attempted to introduce conscription which divided Australia’s population.

  • Prime Minister Billy Hughes' Annoucenment

    Prime Minister Billy Hughes' Annoucenment
    Prime Minister Hughes announced: “16 000 men are required each month for reinforcements at the front. If you love your country then take your place alongside your fellow-Australians at the front and help them to achieve a speedy and glorious victory”.

  • Daniel Mannix' Speech

    Daniel Mannix' Speech
    In a speech the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Daniel Mannix stated “Conscription is a hateful thing, and it is almost certain to bring evil in its train. Australia has done her full share in this war”.

  • Referendum

    Referendum
    On the 28th of October 1916 a referendum is held asking the public to vote yes or no to the question “are you in favour of the government having, in this grave emergency, the same compulsory powers over citizens in regards to requiring military service, for the term of this war, outside the Commonwealth, as it now has in regard to military service within the Commonwealth? RESULTS
    • 1097557 voted yes
    • 1160033 voted no

  • Second Referendum

    Second Referendum
    A second referendum was held on the 20th December 1917 asking the public to vote yes or no to the question “Are you in favour of the proposal of the Commonwealth government for reinforcing the Australia Imperial Forces overseas?” RESULTS
    • 1015159 voted yes
    • 1181747 voted no