World War II

Causes of World War II

Combination of short- and long-term factors leading to the conflict in 1939, including German resentment of Treaty of Versailles, rise of Adolf Hitler, unchecked aggression by Germany and Japan, and invasion of Poland.

Blitzkrieg

German invasion tactic in WWII using aircraft and long-range tanks for rapid warfare, first used in the invasion of France despite French defenses like the Maginot Line.

Battle of the Coral Sea

Significant WWII campaign involving Australian forces in 1942 in the South-west Pacific against Japanese forces.

Holocaust

Systematic persecution of Jews and minorities by Nazi Germany before and during WWII, including deaths in labor and concentration camps.

Atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

Allied bombings in 1945 leading to Japanese surrender, dropping atomic bombs devastating the cities.

Fall of Singapore

Surrender of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942, leading to capture of Allied troops including Australians.

Kokoda campaign

WWII battles in 1942 where Australian forces fought Japanese troops in Papua New Guinea to defend against a possible attack on Australia.

Prisoners of war

Over 30,000 Australians captured in WWII, facing forced labor and harsh conditions, especially after the fall of Singapore.

Participation of women

Australian women joining auxiliary forces during WWII, restricted from combat roles except for nursing.

Conscription

Introduction of conscription for overseas military service in the Pacific in 1943 due to the threat of Japanese invasion, with little opposition.