131-067 Australia and Anzac: Life of the Legend

Formerly available as 131-205/305. Students who have completed 131-205 or 131-305 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites.

This subject examines the Anzac legend as a 'foundation myth' that asserts Australia 'came of age' when the nation's soldiers underwent their 'baptism of fire' at Gallipoli in 1915. It examines the historical, cultural and political conditions and imperatives that explain the origins, perpetuation and adaptation of the legend from 1915 to the present, the reasons for the longstanding national amnesia concerning frontier wars with indigenous Australians, the colonial tradition of involvement in overseas wars of Empire, the commemoration of Australia's Great War dead, the incorporation by the legend of Australian experiences of total war, Cold War, undeclared war, and peacekeeping operations, and major critiques of the legend. If, as commonly asserted, the Anzac legend is undergoing revival, what are the reasons for, and the nature of, that revival? Subjects include frontier wars, wars of Empire, the Gallipoli campaign, the AIF in France 1916-1918, and the home front 1914-18. There will be some reference to Australia's involvement in wars and peacekeeping operations since 1939.

Class participation, and written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.