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following statement: “Political leaders of all parties had agreed, however, to the British
condition that in time of war the Commonwealth government would place the ships of the
RAN [Royal Australian Navy] under the command of the Royal Navy” (Cowie, 1980, p.
200). However even with the discourse of allegiance demonstrated through military ties,
topics demonstrating Australia’s emerging independence as a nation and dissociation from
Great Britain are included, even in instances when Great Britain did not agree with the course
of action taken by Australia (see, for example, Source 7.84).
Source 7.84. Example of Australia’s dissociation from Great Britain extract from
Crossroads: Asia and Australia in world affairs (Cowie, 1980, p. 200).
The contrast of topics regarding Australia’s relationship with Great Britain in the early years
of federation seems to be included as a way to demonstrate Australia’s growth as an
independent nation, justified for inclusion as a way to show that Australia was consciously
and strategically moving away from Great Britain.
7.17.2 Discourse of allegiance to Great Britain as a dominion
In a rare example for textbooks published during this era, The modern world emerges
(Lawrence et al., 1986) explains Australia’s dominion status as a nation post-federation,
linking foreign policy decisions made regarding this status. Whereas, commonly textbooks do
not explain reasons for Australia following Great Britain into conflicts such as WWI other
than through an emotional allegiance, The modern world emerges (Lawrence et al., 1986)
explains to students the political-legal reasons for Australian joining Great Britain in
declaring war (see, for example, Source 7.85).
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