During World War One Australia was generally united in its hatred of the Germans, but it was divided in certain other respects, especially over the issue of conscription. Family and friendships fell apart over the issue; it also brought tensions between groups such as the Labour Party and Liberal Party, the Catholic Church and the Protestants and groups associated with the pro conscription and anti conscription campaigns. In the end the argument about equality of sacrifice predominated, this means that the conscription debate failed. It is clearly evident that the issue divided the Australian community on a number of levels.

After the initial enthusiasm over landing at Gallipoli, people began to realize the real cost of war. By 1916 when Australians were fighting on the Western Front the casualty rate rose alarmingly. In the battle of the Somme, Australia lost 32 000 casualties. At the same time the supply of volunteers...