Paul Kelly's column in today's Australian newspaper describes Neville Meaney's new book as "taking a brick" to the idea that Australia and its fighting force was sacrificed by pro-British leaders in our involvement in World War I. Meaney's book does more than that, providing a in-depth look at politics and policy during the early 20th century in Australia.
Paul Kelly's column in The Australian
Australia and World Crisis 1914-1923
Meaney's book looks at the leading players and their roles in defining Australia's position in the war. Andrew Fisher, Joseph Cook and Billy Hughes are analysed in depth, while William Irvine's role as Attorney-General in the Cook goverment and later in the cause for conscription is also assessed.
What is particularly interesting is the analysis of Australia's perceptions of its position in the Pacific - the fear of Japan and isolation from Mother England. But the book covers more than just Australia's government and leaders, but also the 'person on the street' - their hopes, fears and opinions. The conscription debates and their relation to the labour movement is also significant; as one of the most egalitarian countries at the turn of the century, the debate about commitment of resources to the war effort covered personnel, equipment and money - conscription of wealth as well as men.
Covering over 30 years of research, and examining primary materials in the Australian War Memorial, personal archives in the National Library of Australia and overseas libraries, Australia and World Crisis 1914-1923 gives one a substantial review of Australia's defence and foreign policy in this crucial time in history.
