Monday 23 May 2011

Of what significance does the Gallipoli campaign have to New Zealanders?

Why did we go in the first place?

The Gallipoli Campaign had a significant effect on New Zealanders. New Zealand first joined the war because of the British involvement in the war and that we wanted to show our loyalty to the British Empire because at this stage of New Zealands development, New Zealand was highly dependant on Britain. Because of the British Empires size and wealth, keeping an alliance with them was essential and helping the British in their efforts in the war would keep the bond between the two countries strong so that the British would continue to protect New Zealand.

Economic Position

For most countries, economic challenges would have been a problem if entering the war, fortunately New Zealand was in a good economic position and was able to enter. This was because of the British buying New Zealands exports in bulk to supply their needs to go to war. Exports like Meat and dairy products, were needed for the meals for the soldiers and wool was needed to make the uniforms the soldiers would wear. During the war the war would have still meant exports would be shipped out to the war zones, creating revenue for those still in New Zealand.

Anzac Day

Anzac Day is a day celebrated in New Zealand and Australia that celebrates the returned servicemen and remembers those who gave there lives for the Gallipoli campaign and other campaigns that New Zealand has been involved in. The day is celebrated on the 25 of April. The commemoration starts at dawn to coincide with the Anzac Cove landings.



This Photo shows the number of people who feel strongly about the Anzac's and Anzac Day (this Photo was found at http://www.odt.co.nz/files/story/2009/04/a_large_crowd_gathers_at_the_anzac_dawn_parade_at__1740869406.jpeg)
 
A Nations Identity 

New Zealand and Australia both found a sense of national identity. Some say that the two countries were"baptised in blood" because of the timing that our two countries found that sense of nationality and because of our number of losses our countries sustained. Previously, Pakeha were considered colonists, but after the campaign Pakeha and Maori were now known as New Zealanders.

Returning to Normal

Unlike many European countries, New Zealand quickly returned to its normal course of action after the war. This said, the number of deaths did have an impact on our country. The impact on the work force was a large one. With many of the fit and healthy men overseas, fighting, during the war there would have been less  people working meaning less gets done/made which ultimately would have meant that less money was being made. Then, after the war, the number of men who did not return would have left a large gap in the work force, as well as the impact on family life. For children who's fathers and wives husbands who went to war the reality of  moving on without a Father or husband would be tough. 

17 comments:

  1. thanks matt just what i need

    By the way its ryan from your school

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  2. War is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.

    Your article is very well done, a good read.

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Reuben Parry is gay

    ReplyDelete