Australia and World War I: Perspectives and Decisions

Introduction to WWI

• Overview of World War I (1914-1918)
• Australia’s involvement and contribution
• Significance of the war in shaping Australian identity

The Calling to Serve

• Government campaign for enlistment in Australia
• "Your country needs you!" message
• The impact of propaganda on public sentiment

The Young Farmer’s Dilemma

• Scenario explanation: 18-year-old farmer, family reliance
• Choice: Enlist for war or stay for harvest
• Challenges: Family responsibilities vs. patriotic duty {The image of a young farmer in rural Australia during WWI, looking torn between two paths with crops in the background.}

The University Student's Challenge

• Scenario: Medical student torn between studies and serving as a medic
• Importance of medical professionals during the war
• Personal conflict: Academic commitment vs. helping soldiers {The image of a university student studying medicine, surrounded by books and a recruitment poster in the background.}

The Pacifist's Struggle

• Scenario: Individual with strong anti-war beliefs
• Social pressure to conform: Friends and community enlistment
• The moral dilemma: Values vs. social acceptance

The Immigrant Experience

• Scenario: Immigrant from Germany in the US at war
• Dual identity: Loyalties to new country vs. homeland
• The impact of war on immigrants’ status and acceptance

The Nurse's Call to Action

• Scenario: Young woman dreaming of nursing service
• Role of nurses in WWI: Heroes at the front lines
• Dangers involved: Risks vs. desire to help

The Poet’s Internal Conflict

• Scenario: Poet deciding between pacifism and war encouragement
• The power of literature in shaping public perception
• Conflicting emotions: Honor vs. humanity

The Soldier’s Sibling

• Scenario: Supporting an enlisted brother
• Family pride vs. anxiety of war risks
• The influence of family history on decisions to enlist

The Conscript's Dilemma

• Scenario: Facing conscription and legal consequences of refusal
• Social implications of draft dodging: Shame and honor
• The personal decision between obedience and beliefs

The Indigenous Volunteer

• Scenario: Indigenous Australian’s ambition to enlist amid discrimination
• Advocacy for equal treatment in the military
• Encouraging change vs. facing prejudice

The Journalist’s Ethical Decision

• Scenario: Opportunity to report from the front lines
• Risk involved in war journalism: Shaping public opinion
• Responsibility to report truthfully vs. personal safety

Challenges Faced by Each Character

• Overview of emotional, social, and physical challenges
• Themes: Family, identity, conflict, and moral beliefs
• The impact of war on diverse Australian experiences

Factors Influencing Decisions

• Personal beliefs: Patriotism, fear, aspirations
• Community pressures and expectations
• Cultural background and societal norms

Reflecting on Choices

• Questions for students: What would you do?
• Discussion on empathy and historical context
• The importance of understanding diverse perspectives

Impact on Family and Community

• Analyzing the ripple effect of individual decisions
• How enlistment or refusal shapes communal relationships
• Long-term consequences for Australia post-war

Diary Entry: The Young Farmer

• Sample diary entry from the perspective of the young farmer
• Reflection on feelings of duty, guilt, and community
• Emotional grappling with the decision to enlist or stay home

Letter Home: The Nurse

• Imaginary letter from a nursing volunteer at the front
• Description of experiences and feelings about the war
• The impact of her decision on family and hopes for peace

Final Thoughts: Legacy of WWI in Australia

• Overview of how WWI shaped modern Australia
• The long-term effects on national identity and citizenship
• The importance of remembering diverse narratives from the war

Conclusion

• Recap of the importance of individual stories in history
• Encouragement to explore further on Australia’s involvement in WWI
• Invitation to consider the relevance of these issues today

Discussion and Questions

• Open floor for student questions and reflections
• Engaging students in dialogue about choices and consequences
• Highlighting the significance of learning from historical perspectives

Recommended Resources

• List of books, documentaries, and websites for further study
• Encouraging students to explore primary materials and first-hand accounts

{The image of a group of diverse Australian soldiers during WWI, symbolizing unity and diversity in service.}