The fall of Singapore to Japan in 1942 had major impacts on Australia's security and defense. It was a major defeat for British forces and removed the main line of defense for Australia. As a result, Australia withdrew troops from other areas, introduced conscription, and sought greater support from the US to help defend against the new threat from Japan in the Pacific. The fall of Singapore demonstrated Australia's vulnerability and was a strategic shock that changed Australia's defense posture during World War 2.