Conscription in Australia

Conscription Essay

Conscription: compulsory enrolment of persons for military or naval service; draft.

During World War I (1914-1918) conscription was a big issue in Australia. Labour prime minister of Australia, Billy Hughes, attempted to enforce full conscription, for men aged 21 years and over. This meant that in world war one, all men in that age group must fight in the war. Hughes wanted conscription because he theorised that if Australia helped to fight Germany, this would stop them possibly invading Australia, which Billy was scared of. So the most logical cause of action for him, was conscription. Two referendums were held, both voting no.

The first referendum was held on 28th October 1916, and narrowly rejected conscription, with 49% for conscription and 51% against. The referendum in question asked: Are you in favour of the Government having, in this grave emergency, the same compulsory powers over citizens in regard to requiring their military service, for the term of this War, outside the Commonwealth, as it now has in regard to military service within the Commonwealth?

On 20th December 1917, a second referendum was held, asking the question "Are you in favour of the proposal of the Commonwealth Government for reinforcing the Commonwealth Forces overseas?” This was defeated by an even greater margin.

Australia was now divided in half, those for conscription, and those against. Campaigns started, with cartoonists in every newspaper and magazine having a field day. Many were for and against, and some were equal.

Mottos against conscription usually appealed to the public’s sympathetic side, with phrases such as �War is immoral’ and �Losing loved ones’. This was trying to say that you cannot force a man to fight, and it is immoral, and you are hurting others around him.

The phrases for conscription, however, were aimed more at the pride for our country, male pride and masculinity, and a general subconscious thirst for war and getting our own way. Phrases such as �Remain loyal to England’ and �Make your children proud’