5. World War One: Economic Origins

A. Economic Motives behind Australia’s support in WWI

(a) 1916: In desperation, - British hopes for negotiated peace
(b) Kitchener’s false assurances lure them ‘on to victory’….
(c) …and renewed hopes of crushing German competition
(d) The Somme and…
(e)...the desperate need for conscription
(f) Lloyd George combats Wilson’s peace proposals
(g) but President Wilson persists
(h) Finally the US opts for war
(i) A second Australian Referendum for Conscription - also fails!
(j) Russia sues for peace…
(k) ..Allies close to collapse,
(l) but Wilson set on victory , - but with a just peace…
(m) …while Hughes, like others, intent on ‘spoils of war’

B. General Reflections on Wars’ Economic Origins

C. Sources