4759unit 4 Aos 1 Chronology.docx

Unit 4 AOS 1 Chronology 1914:

AUSTRALIA IN THE GRIP OF SEVERE DROUGHT.

July 28th:

WWI begins.

August 4th:

Britain (and therefore Australia declares war on Germany.)

September 5th:

Federal election – Andrew Fisher becomes PM.

October 29th-31st:

War Precautions Act introduced. Turkey enters war on Central powers side.

November 1st:

First AIF contingent depart Australia.

December 3rd:

First AIF contingent arrive in Egypt for training.

1915: April 25th:

AIF land on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

May 8th:

The first account of the Australian’s landing at Gallipoli (by Ellis AshmeadBartlett) published for Australia.

June:

Recruitment campaigns begin.

August 6th-15th:

War Census taken.

September 11th:

Universal Service League established.

October 26th:

William (Billy) Hughes becomes PM.

December 19th-20th:

Australian (and others) forces withdraw from Gallipoli. No casualties taken.

The Government ramps-up censorship, associating the Anzacs with a mythology based on loyalty, heroism, and bravery, not on seeing battles as ‘military disasters.’

1916: January 6th:

British Parliament votes in conscription.

March 27th:

Six o’clock hotel closing time introduced in all states of Australia except Queensland.

April 27th:

News of the Irish uprising reaches Australia.

May 12th:

Irish rebels executed (Great Britain.)

July 1st:

Battle of the Somme begins (France)

August 30th:

PM Hughes announces that a referendum (plebiscite) is to be held.

August 4th:

Hughes and his supporters expelled from the ALP for supporting conscription.

August 28th:

First conscription referendum held. No vote: 115,888 Yes vote: 1087332 Difference = 71,549 votes.

November 14th:

Hughes and supporters leave the ALP.

1917: January 9th:

National Party established, led by Hughes.

April 6th:

America enters the war by declaring war on Germany.

May 3rd:

Third battle of Ypres begins (Western Front.)

May 5th:

National Party and Hughes win general election.

August 2nd:

The Great Strike begins in NSW railways.

1918: January 8th:

Hughes resigns as PM.

March 3rd:

Soviet Russia withdraws from war.

September 18th:

Attack on the Hindenburg line.

November 11th:

Armistice with Germany signed at 11.00 a.m.