Causes of Australian Women during World War 2

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Causes of Australian Women in WW2 Why were woman needed in the war effort? In the year of 1939, Australia had joined the war effort. In this year Poland had been invaded by Hitler resulting in Britain declaring war on Germany. This declaration initially meant that Australia would be called to support Britain. Many Australian men enlisted in the armed forces leaving predominately women on the home front. This movement initially affected the Australian home front where the labour force had predominately consisted of men. In order for the Australian economy and war effort to function it was clearly evident that all members of Australian society would need to chip in. How did Australian women join the war effort? 1939: Australia joins the war effort. During this year Australian women were given the opportunity to formally assist in the war effort through The Australian Comforts fund (ACF). This was initiated by the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) This fund enabled women to knit various essentials for soldiers such as socks, scarves or perhaps sweaters. This organisation did not really give woman the opportunity to directly assist in the war effort but instead fell into the ideology of a woman’s role (stay at home). Australian women were also needed in the war effort due injured soldiers. The traditional role of women acting as nurses therefore sprang up in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS). 1940: During this time many women united to create different sectors that would allow them to be of assistance in the war effort by offering vital services etc. The Woman’s Transport Corps was created. In this corps women were given the opportunity to learn how to drive: Lorries, ambulances,... ... middle of paper ... ...kins , T. (2012). History Alive 10 for the Australian Curriculum. Milton, Qld, Australia. Retrieved March 28, 2014 Department of Veterans' Affairs. (n.d.). All in - 'leaving home'. Retrieved March 3, 2014, from Australia's War 1939-1945: http://www.ww2australia.gov.au/allin/leavinghome.html Lewis, R. (n.d.). The Home Front - World War 2. Retrieved April 1, 2014, from www.anzacday.org.au: http://www.anzacday.org.au/history/ww2/homefront/overview.html Red Apple Education Ltd. (2014). Women on the home front. Retrieved March 31, 2014 , from skwirk interactive schooling: http://www.skwirk.com/p-c_s-14_u-91_t-202_c-675/women-on-the-home-front/nsw/women-on-the-home-front/australia-and-world-war-ii/women-in-world-war-ii Siers, R. (2013, March). Devotion: stories of Australia’s wartime nurses. Canberra , Australia: Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Retrieved April 3, 2014

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