Communism Threat to Australia's Domestic Politics: 1945-1950s

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The threat of Communism on Australia domestic politics was high from 1945 towards the 1950s. The Menzies government presented policies that were directly connected to the communism matter in Australia. These policies were established during the Cold War period, at a time when the fear of communism was at its highest. The fear in Australia was demonstrated by the Petrov Affair. Furthermore, communist fears in Australia were demonstrated by political action and proposed legislation. The Alp spilt was a major turn in the Labor Party in 1955. The 1950's were a time of great distrust and tension over communism on Australian domestic politcis.

Firstly, The Petrov Affair was a spy incident during the cold war in Australia in April 1954, which involved …show more content…

After WWII, the Soviet Union wanted to expand the political ideology of communism throughout the world of influence. The capitalist system was seen to be dispersing throughout the world by the support of both the USSR and China. It was believed that it would take over nation-states and that ‘freedom’ would be taken from people in countries such as Australia. In 1945 after more than two decades of intense activity the CPA remained a leading power in the Australian trade union movement. A significant part of its membership was experienced cadres who were confident that they could continue to build the Party’s influence in the trade unions. In the “significance of the communist party case” by George Winterton. It stated “The dissolution Bill Act was designed to ban the Communist Party and affiliated bodies, and to restrict the civil liberties of persons declared by the government to be dangerous or potentially dangerous communists.” As seen in this secondary dialogue it says they are “dangerous” and therefore it would be a threat on communism In Australia. The radical action of the Communist Party Dissolution Bill and the referendum to Ban the Communist Party were both significant parts in the threat of communism …show more content…

The Menzies government presented policies that were directly connected to the communism matter in Australia. The petrov affair reflected the concern of soviet esponiage in Australia. The Dissolution Bill and the referendum to Ban the Communist Party were was to stop the communist party. Finally, the alp spilt was a spilt in the Australian labor party as a result of communism. The threat of Communism on Australian domestic politics was abnormal due from these

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