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terrible conflict that had just ended” (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 105). This passage then
goes on to discuss reasons for Australia’s involvement, as “When Britain declared war on
Germany on the 4 th August, 1914, Australia, as part of the Empire, also was at war. The
response made by the Commonwealth...was instant and remarkable” (Dunlop & Palfrey,
1932a, p. 105). This statement is then supported by describing the actions of two political
leaders. First, the then-Prime Minister, “...Joseph Cook, sent a cable to the British
Government offering the whole of the ships of the Australian Navy and 20,000 soldiers, for
any service that the Empire might require” (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, pp. 105-106); and
Andrew Fisher, who was also a Prime Minister during WWI, “...declared that Australia
would support the Mother Country ‘to the last man and the last shilling’” (Dunlop & Palfrey,
1932a, p. 106). Both these descriptions illustrate Australia’s loyalty to Great Britain. There is
no mention of any dissenting views, such as those from Melbourne Archbishop Daniel
Mannix, a prominent dissenter of WWI and conscription, who (amongst others) was
prominent in public discourses throughout the duration of Australia’s involvement in WWI.
5.8.3 Discourses of Australia’s involvement.
Particularly in the textbook, New syllabus history for seventh grade (Dunlop & Palfrey,
1932a) Australia is regarded as valuable due to the man power its soldiers provided; rather
than for any involvement in decision making. This is made obvious through the statement:
“The Germans broke through and once more reached the Marne within forty miles of Paris;
further north they almost captured Amiens. If it had been taken the British and French armies
would have been separated, but a brilliant attack by the Australians who had rushed up to the
danger point, stopped their progress” (Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 104, emphasis added).
Here, the perspective that Australians are involved in this battle of WWI only in a support
role capacity is clearly articulated. Australians providing assistance to Great Britain is also
clear in other sections of this wider narrative. For example, the following description is
provided of The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) soldiers: “The
Turks...made an attempt to capture the Suez Canal in order to cut Britain’s communication...”
(Dunlop & Palfrey, 1932a, p. 108). In this textbook, and indicative of others in the era,
Australian national history is represented as mediated through participation under the
command of Great Britain in major events.
5.8.4 Discourses of nationhood
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