Impact of WW1 - White Dominion Support
History: KS3, topic 14.1.13
White Dominion Support for the British Empire During WW1
Just after WWI, Britain’s empire reached its largest ever size. Article 22 of Versailles divided Germany's overseas colonies between Britain, France, and Belgium.
The Imperial War Cabinet
- The Imperial War Cabinet was created in 1917 to orchestrate Britain's military policy across the British Empire.
White Dominions (Australia and New Zealand)
- During the war, the Dominions (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa) were mainly supportive of Britain's war effort against Germany.
- Australian and New Zealand army corps (Anzac) troops were sent to support the British war effort by Australia and New Zealand.
- Anzac Day is still celebrated on the 25th April in Australia and New Zealand to commemorate the Anzac troops who have died in wars.
Anzac losses during WW1
- The heaviest Anzac losses were taken at the Battle of Gallipoli (1915) in Turkey.
- 26,111 Australians were injured and 8,141 Australian soldiers died in the Gallipoli operation. Only 50,000 Australian soldiers were involved in Gallipoli.
- Australia rejected conscription twice, first in 1916, then again in 1917.
White Dominions (Canada)
- The Canadians helped the British defeat the Germans at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in France (1917).
- During the First World War, Canada expanded its wheat exports to Britain, making wheat one of Canada's most important exports.
- However, the Dominions didn't support the British war effort unconditionally.
- Protests broke out in French Quebec (Canada) in 1918.
Test yourself on Impact of WW1 - White Dominion Support
Which of these are true of the Battle of Gallipoli (1915)?
In which battle did the Canadians help the British defeat the Germans?