How did the events at Gallipoli lead to the creation of the Anzac legend?
Uploaded by *GeMsToNe* on Mar 05, 2007
How did the events at Gallipoli lead to the creation of the Anzac legend?
Australia's involvement in World War One can be seen by many as the very essence of Australia's identity, especially the involvement at the Gallipoli peninsular. The battle of Gallipoli was the first major step made by Australians towards nationhood and the development of the Anzac legend.
The Gallipoli campaign and the Anzac legend that emerged from it have had a significant impact on ideas about Australia's national identity. Although a military defeat, the bravery and sacrifices associated with the eight-month struggle have had a profound effect on how Australians view this period.
In 1914, most Australians had high hopes that their soldiers would prove the nation’s worth. These hopes were realised in the colourful descriptions of their men in action following the landing at Gallipoli. At the Western front, where the term “digger” was used to describe the Australian soldier.
British war correspondent Ellis Ashamed-Bartlett helped to promote this legend. In her writings on 8 May 1915 she wrote "the Australians rose to the occasion. Not waiting for orders or for the boats to reach the beach, they sprang into the sea and formed a sort of rough line, rushed at the enemy trenches".
The British Government ordered an evacuation. By day, the Anzacs kept up their attacks with more Anzacs observed to be landing - by night the force was withdrawn, broken only by sporadic rifle and gunfire. On 20 December 1915, the Anzac retreat was complete, unnoticed by the Turks who continued to bombard the Anzacs' empty trenches. On 9 January 1916, the Turks carried out their last offensive on Gallipoli, revealing only that the entire force had withdrawn without casualty. The evacuation was the Allies most successful operation in Gallipoli.
The Anzacs lost 8,000 men in Gallipoli and a further 18,000 were wounded. The Anzacs went on to serve with distinction in Palestine and on the western front in France. Australia had a population of five million - 330,000 served in the war, 59,000 were killed. New Zealand with a population of one million lost 18,000 men out of 110,000 and had 55000 wounded.
In summary, the Australia’s involvement in the First World War and, in particular, the events of Gallipoli were major contributions to the Australian stereotype. These include loyalty, dedication, extraordinary fighting skills and courage. Because of the hardship they endured in fighting they...