Analytical Summary

The Anzac legend is still relevant in today’s society as it reminds Australians and New Zealands of the sacrifice they made to protect our country and let us live in freedom. The legend defines our national identity and helps shape our national reputation so that other countries can look at us as and think of us as a country who are determined, brave, resilient and helps our mates when they are in trouble. Almost a whole generation of young men was lost and they deserved to be remembered. The soldiers continued to fight during challenging times and when they felt as though it was too hard and should give up. They slept in wet and dirty clothes and barely had enough food to survive. Australia wouldn’t be Australia without the legend of the soldiers who sacrificed themselves for us.

The landing at Anzac cove, Gallipoli, is a significant part in the history of our identity in the war and the world. I

Ww1 IS regarded as one of the significant and fundamental event in history. It occurred due to the assassination of the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on 28 June 1914(Stephen Tonge). The countries were divided to two main powers called ‘Central power’ where German and Austria were included and ‘Allied power where England and Russia and Australia fought for the mother country England .One 25 April 1915, Australia sent troops to Gallipoli to fight against Turkish .But accidently they landed at the amiss place which made them suffer from the under fire, and the ANZAC legend was generated there. Although there was no military victory, the Australians displayed great courage, mateship and endurance. The stories of these qualities are the proof of ANZAC legend’s undoubtable accurate portrayal of Australia’s fighting men in WW1.

As the centenary of World War One moves into hyper-drive following this week’s declaration and in the lead up to Anzac Day 2015, it is vital for today’s Australians to understand what occurred at places such as The Nek, the incredible stupidity of the top brass and the crazy bravery of the young men who carried out their murderous orders. Peter Weir’s wonderful film Gallipoli captures the essence of both and should be required viewing for all

As it not only marks the initiation of our controversial war history, signifying the first time our country joined together in unity. It becomes the focal point for remembering all the soldiers who have fallen in horrors of war, the continuous suffering which family members endured. Through the ANZAC legend, future generations have a responsibility to remember not only those who served, but all contributions made, during the era in which the legend was born. We have an obligation to respect the soldiers, honouring the unique characteristics of each individual, ensuring we don’t stereotype the courageous

The Anzac Legend is the source of the Aussie Fight and bravery that will live on for future generations to understand and to acknowledge their courage and bravery.

As Australians, we all know of the Gallipoli Campaign, and to a certain extent the events that occurred, although there are still many uncertainties surrounding it. To properly commemorate the Campaign, first we must understand what really occurred on those shores, years go.

‘Australians at War’ a documentary made by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra designed to teach individuals on the involvement of ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) in World War 1. It follows why the notion of sending Australian troops to help the allied effort in war was widely supported and follows the ordeals of ANZAC troops through training in Egypt, being sent to Gallipoli as part of a horrendous tactical failure, the evacuation of ANZAC troops and the relocation of them to the Western Front. The episode used many primary sources such as first hand accounts of the soldiers who were present in Gallipoli, as well memories from those who were in Australia that faced the reality of the ‘home’ front.

Following federation in 1901, Australia found an opportunity to establish its domestic and international identity in World War One. Although the initial premise for the nation 's involvement was British imperialism (7), friction between the British and Australian forces soon led to a more self-assured Australian collectivity. Britain was no longer the perfect mother country, but suddenly seemed too formal and somewhat less competent on the battlefield. Australian identity, filtering down from the soldiers, resorted to outback culture, “mateship” and “fair go” mentality in response to perceived British shortcomings (9 and 16a). While the general public 's loyalty remained largely dual for some time after, arguably to this day, the postcard photo of Gallipoli with the

Peter Weir’s 1981 film Gallipoli can in every sense of the phrase be called an ‘Australian classic’. The impact and effect this film has had upon the psyche and perspective of several generations of Australians has been significant. Whilst it can be argued that every Australian is aware of the ANZAC legend, and the events that occurred on the Turkish beaches in 1915, Weir’s film encapsulates and embodies a cultural myth which is now propagated as fact and embraced as part of the contemporary Australian identity. The film projects a sense of Australian nationalism that grew out of the 1970’s, and focuses on what it ‘means’ to be an Australian in a post-colonial country. In this way Gallipoli embodies a sense of ‘Australian-ness’ through

On the 25th of April a day of remembrance occurs for all Australian Citizens to pay their respects to the Veterans who fought ‘our’ war to make Australia as it is today (Civics and Citizenship Education, 2013) . Even in a modern day society the Anzac legend has made such a big impact that it is still celebrated each year (Skwirk education, 2014). An ex- Prime Minister Julia Gillard made a comment on Anzac day about the importance of Anzac day -"When you can see that kind of enthusiasm, I think we can say as a nation it's an important part of our national identity"- (Beaumont, 2015). It is stated from Civics and citizenship education that there is an increase in the amount of people participation in the ceremonies. The Anzac legend has been implemented into the Australian identity so much that some believe that Anzac is what it means to be Australian, from this we can gather the significance and the positive view on the Anzac legend (Beaumont, 2015). This shows that the modern appreciation of what the Anzac’s did During WW1 hasn't depreciated a

While originally the word ANZAC was the acronym for the ‘Australian and New Zealand Army Corp’ who fought in World War I, it has over the years taken broader application. Source 1 depicts a photo of a World War I digger soldier where the artist tried to depict the ANZAC legend as one with a look “…of something between fear and defiance which we have all seen so often, and which will always remain in my memory as typical of our gallant old cobbers ‘the Diggers’.” Men returning from war after both World War I and World War II were viewed as national heroes and greeted by parades. Source 2 depicts an image of ANZAC veterans on ANZAC Day in Brisbane, Queensland in 1922 greeted by a crowd of thousands.

The name Anzac Day, became official on the 25th of April in 1916. This day is one of Australia’s most significant events as it commemorates the anniversary of the first major military action that was fought and served by the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and acknowledges the sacrifices made by the troops, throughout the First World War. The word Anzac is an acronym: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and those who fought in the same forces became known as Anzacs. There were over 8,000 Australian soldiers killed during the First World

The ‘ANZAC’ myth is very important as it gives Australians a sense of nationalist pride and it has a political value as, Professot Beaumont argues “The emphasis on Gallipoli and the Anzac legend has really been part of our political culture. It is not part of history” .Many Australians believe that Australia became a “nation in 1915” and that “our values and traditions were forged in military” which, may ultimately be the reason as to why Australians continue to resonate the ANZAC myth so strongly in their daily

History Essay- Key features of the ANZAC legend and explain how and why it was created.