HASS Assessment Cornell Notes

What is conscription?

Compulsory enlistment in the army

How did they recruit men?

Propaganda posters, enlistment campaigns, guilt tripping eligible men

What was the vote for conscription?

Two referendums were held - both ended in "no"

What is a referendum?

People are asked to vote on a nation-wide vote to change the constitution

What was the pattern for recruitment?

Started with too many recruits, then slowly declined and lead to the want for conscription

Results of the referendums?

First - 49% yes 51% no

Second - 46% yes 54% no

Reasons for conscription?

War is a noble cause, makes sure there are reinforcements, enemy is brutal and uncivilised

Reasons against conscription?

Equality of sacrifice, may foreshadow industrial conscription, may become vulnerable to invasion

Which countries did not introduce conscription?

Australia, South Africa and India

Who was targeted in conscription propaganda?

Billy Hughes, Kaiser, Daniel Mannix and women

What is the context of the Conscription Debate?

At the beginning of Australia's enlistment, there were a large number of men who wanted to fight in the war. However, numbers of new recruitments declined, and the so the Government needed new methods of getting recruits. The constitution didn't allow overseas conscription, and so a referendum was held.