aidemia--modules-discussion_request	Give a list of questions for discussing during a class
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 10
What topic	Australia and WWI
Quantity	10
Hints to each question
Any other preferences	include the following information 1. The Young Farmer Scenario: You are an 18-year-old farmer in rural Australia. Your family relies on you to help with the harvest, but the government is calling for volunteers to fight in Europe. Question: Do you enlist, or stay to support your family and community? 2. The University Student Scenario: You are studying medicine at university in England. If you enlist, your studies will be interrupted, but you could serve as a medic on the front lines. Question: Will you continue your studies or join the war effort? 3. The Pacifist Scenario: You have strong beliefs against violence and war. Your friends and neighbors are enlisting, and you feel pressured to join, but it goes against your values. Question: Do you stand by your beliefs or give in to social pressure? 4. The Immigrant Scenario: You recently moved to the United States from Germany. The US has just entered the war against your homeland. Question: Do you enlist to prove your loyalty to your ne

Discussion Questions for Year 10 History: Australia and WWI

1. The Young Farmer Scenario

Question:

Do you enlist, or stay to support your family and community?

Discussion Points:

• Family Obligations: How critical is the role of the young farmer in taking care of the harvest? What are the immediate consequences of leaving?
• Impact of War on Rural Communities: Discuss how enlistment might affect local farming and the community's food supply.
• Social Responsibility: Explore the concept of duty to country versus duty to family. Where do personal values fit into this situation?
• Influence of Propaganda: How does government messaging encourage enlistment among young people?

2. The University Student Scenario

Question:

Will you continue your studies or join the war effort?

Discussion Points:

• Career vs. Service: Weigh the value of completing education against the call to serve. How could this decision affect your future?
• Role of Medics in War: Discuss the responsibilities of medics in WWI and the significance of medical education.
• Peer Pressure and Expectations: How might friends and society influence the decision?
• Long-term Impact of War on Adolescents: Consider the long-term effects on those who interrupted their education.

3. The Pacifist Scenario

Question:

Do you stand by your beliefs or give in to social pressure?

Discussion Points:

• Personal Beliefs: Explore the reasons behind pacifism and moral objections to war.
• Social Dynamics: Discuss the pressure to conform to societal expectations and how that affects personal choices.
• Historical Context: Consider the perspective of other historical figures or groups who opposed war during this time.
• Coping Mechanisms: What are ways a pacifist could express their views without enlisting?

4. The Immigrant Scenario

Question:

Do you enlist to prove your loyalty to your new country?

Discussion Points:

• Identity and National Loyalty: Discuss the challenges of balancing loyalty between homeland and new country.
• Cultural Perspectives: How might this decision be viewed by both the immigrant community and the host country?
• Impacts on Family Back Home: Consider the emotional toll of enlisting on family members still in the home country.
• Consequences of War: Evaluate the potential impact on societal perception of immigrants during a time of war.

5. The Indigenous Australian Scenario

Question:

Do you enlist and fight for a country that doesn’t treat you equally?

Discussion Points:

• Historical Treatment of Indigenous Australians: Examine policies and perspectives towards Indigenous peoples in Australia during WWI.
• Identity and Patriotism: Discuss what it means to fight for a nation that marginalizes your community.
• Impact of Service on Rights: Consider how enlistment might influence the fight for rights post-war.
• Influence of Family and Community: How might families and communities perceive enlistment differently?

6. The Women at Home Scenario

Question:

What role do you think women should play in supporting the war effort at home?

Discussion Points:

• Changing Roles of Women: Discuss how WWI altered traditional gender roles in Australia.
• Types of Support: What forms of support can women provide? (e.g. munitions work, nursing, fundraising)
• Cognitive Dissonance: Explore feelings women might have while men go to fight, affecting traditions and responsibilities.
• War’s Impact on Women’s Rights: How did wartime roles influence the push for women’s rights and suffrage later?

7. The Returned Soldier Scenario

Question:

How do you cope with the impacts of war upon returning to Australia?

Discussion Points:

• Physical and Mental Health: Discuss the challenges of reintegration for returned soldiers, including PTSD.
• Support Systems: What resources were available for veterans at this time, and how effective were they?
• Societal Perceptions: Analyze how society viewed returned soldiers and the expectations placed on them.
• Economic Impact: Consider how the return of soldiers affected jobs and economic conditions in Australia.

8. The War Propaganda Scenario

Question:

How effective was government propaganda in encouraging enlistment?

Discussion Points:

• Techniques of Persuasion: Examine specific propaganda techniques used in Australia during WWI.
• Public Sentiment: Discuss how propaganda shaped public opinion about the war and enlistment.
• Dissent and Opposition: Consider how some citizens reacted against propaganda efforts.
• Long-term Effects: Evaluate the lasting effects of wartime propaganda on Australian society.

9. The Anzac Legend Scenario

Question:

What is the significance of the ANZAC spirit and legend in Australia’s national identity?

Discussion Points:

• Origins of ANZAC Day: Discuss the events at Gallipoli and their impact on national consciousness.
• Cultural Significance: How does the ANZAC spirit reflect Australian values such as mateship and courage?
• Evolution Over Time: Explore how the meaning of ANZAC Day and its commemoration has changed over the years.
• Critiques of ANZAC Legend: Discuss the critiques regarding glorification of war and the importance of remembering all aspects of the conflict.

10. The International Perspective Scenario

Question:

How did Australia’s involvement in WWI affect its relationships with other nations?

Discussion Points:

• National Identity: Explore how the experience of war fostered a sense of identity separate from Britain.
• Diplomatic Relations: Discuss the impact on Australia’s foreign policy post-war.
• Legacy of the War: Analyze how alliances formed during WWI influenced Australia’s international role after the conflict.
• Commemoration and Memory: Consider how different countries view their contributions to and experiences in WWI.

These questions and discussion points are designed to engage Year 10 students in critical thinking about Australia's involvement in WWI and the broader implications of war on society, identity, and individual choices.