LibGuides: YEAR 9 : WORLD WAR I: Home Front

Recruitment and Conscription

At the outset of World War I Australia did not have conscription and instead was able to rely on many volunteers. However as the war raged on the armed forces found it increasingly difficult to recruit soldiers and the government had to consider conscription.

Australian labor party anti-conscription propaganda poster

Australian War Memorial: Sources: the conscription debate
This is an amazing resource of primary documents arguing yes or no on the conscription debate.
ABC Education - Conscription in Australia digital book
This resource from the ABC includes both written information as well as primary source from the conscription debate.

Life in Australia

Australian Government - Women in wartime
This article from provides an overview of the role of women in Australia during the war
Victoria Library - Early reactions
Find out how the Australian government and people reacted to news of war in Europe.
Victorian Library - Home Front
This article outlines key aspects of life in Australia during the war.

WW1 - The Home Front

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nv6RuNpfQJQ

An introduction to the Home Front in Britain during the Great War with an emphasis on the lives of women and children. All images copyright Imperial War Museum. For educational use not commercial use.