Yr 10 History Ass 1 | Part 6

Intro: World War I and World War II were two of the most significant conflicts in world history. Both wars had far-reaching impacts on people's lives, especially on the home front, where governments took various measures to mobilize resources and control activities. This essay will compare the Australian government's control on the home front during World War I and World War II in four areas: enemy aliens, manpower controls, rationing, and censorship/use of government propaganda.

Enemy Aliens: During both World War I and World War II, the Australian government perceived anyone of foreign origin, especially those from enemy countries, as a potential threat to national security. The government identified and interned thousands of enemy aliens in both wars, primarily Germans during World War I and Japanese and Italians during World War II. In World War I, internment was used mainly as a preventative measure. However, during World War II, the internment of enemy aliens was more prevalent, and people were often detained without trial or evidence of wrongdoing.

Manpower Controls: During both wars, the Australian government implemented measures to control the mobilization of the workforce for the war effort. In World War I, the government introduced voluntary enlistment, which later transitioned to conscription in 1916. However, this move was met with widespread opposition, and only limited numbers of conscripts were sent overseas. In World War II, the government introduced conscription in 1942, which was met with less opposition. The government also established the Department of War Organization of Industry (WOO), which played a vital role in coordinating and directing wartime production, and the Mobilization of Manpower Directorate, which managed the labor supply.

Rationing: Rationing was a significant measure during both wars to ensure the equitable distribution of goods and resources to all Australians. In World War I, rationing primarily applied to luxury items such as sugar, butter, and meat. However, in World War II, rationing was more extensive and included items such as petrol, clothing, and household goods. The government also introduced ration books, which were issued to individuals and families and could be used to purchase goods that were in short supply.

Censorship/Use of Government Propaganda: During both wars, the Australian government used censorship and propaganda to shape public opinion and maintain morale. In World War I, the government introduced censorship to prevent the publication of information that might be detrimental to the war effort or that could create public panic. However, the censorship was not as strict as in World War II. During World War II, the government introduced more extensive censorship and propaganda measures, including the creation of the Directorate of Publicity and Information, which produced posters, films, and other materials to promote patriotism and support for the war effort.

To summarise, World War I and World War II had significant impacts on the Australian home front, and the government implemented various measures to mobilize resources and control activities. In terms of enemy aliens, manpower controls, rationing, and censorship/use of government propaganda, World War II was more extensive and had a more significant impact on the Australian people. However, both wars saw the government take significant steps to ensure national security and promote patriotism.