| William Hughes: Australia Contributor(s): Bridge, Carl (Author) |
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ISBN: 1905791909 ISBN-13: 9781905791903 Publisher: Haus Pub. OUR PRICE: $28.50 Product Type: Hardcover Published: May 2011 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - History | Australia & New Zealand - General - History | Military - World War I |
| Series: Makers of the Modern World: The Peace Conferences of 1919-23 and Their Aftermath |
| Physical Information: 0.9" H x 5.4" W x 7.9" (0.95 lbs) 224 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Australian - Chronological Period - 1900-1919 |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: The First World War marked the emergence of the Dominions on the world stage as independent nations, none more so than Australia. The country's sacrifice at Gallipoli in 1915, and the splendid combat record of Australian troops on the Western Front not only created a national awakening at home, but also put Great Britain in their debt, ensuring them greater influence at the Peace Conferences. Australia was represented at Versailles by the Prime Minister, the colourful Billy Hughes, whom Woodrow Wilson called 'a pestiferous varmint' after their repeated clashes over Australia's claims to the Pacific Islands its troops had taken from Germany during the War. Hughes was also the most vociferous (though by no means at all the only) opponent of the racial equality clause put forward by Japan. Indeed, it was fear of Japanese expansion that drove Australia's territorial demands in the Pacific. |