Prime Minister Billy Hughes sought to introduce conscription in Australia during World War I due to a lack of volunteers and high casualties, holding two referendums that asked voters to decide on the issue. However, both referendums in 1916 and 1917 failed, with voters rejecting conscription due to opposition from religious and political leaders who felt it was unnecessary and would take men away from needed work at home.

1. Conscription
World War One

2. What is conscription?
 This is the forced enlistment of men into the
armed forces.
 It is also the right to send these men
overseas.

3. Why was it needed?
 After people began to hear about the
horrors of the War, especially in Europe,
they did not want to enlist in the army.
 In July 1916, there were 23 000 Australian
casualties in one battle at Poizièrs in
France.

4. Who tried to introduce it?
 Prime Minister Billy Hughes travelled to
France in 1916 to visit the ANZAC troops.
 He said that 32 000 more men were
needed.
 He was a member of the Labor Party and
they did not support conscription.

5. How did he try to introduce it?
 He held a referendum on this issue.
 This is a national vote everyone in Australia
has to vote on a question.
 They have to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
 It is successful if there is a double
majority.
 This means that the majority of people in
the majority of States have to vote ‘yes’.

6. Arguments FOR…..
 Patriotism
 Need to support the men in the trenches
 Otherwise you were supporting the enemy.
 The country might be taken over by
Germany.

7. Arguments against….
 Led by Archbishop Mannix.
 More men would make very little difference.
 Men were needed at home to work in
factories and on farms to feed the nation.
 The war was not Australia’s concern.

8. The people vote…
 In October 1916, the people voted ‘NO’.
 In December 1917, the people voted ‘NO’.

9. How effective are these posters in convincing
people to sway for or against Conscription?
Analyse.

10. Conscription badge
 http://dl.screenaustralia.gov.au/module/1175/
 Answer the questions after you watch the
segment.