AWM Collection Record: ARTV00028

AWM image ARTV00028

ID Number: ARTV00028
Title: Conscription. Do you prefer compulsory service?
Maker: Unknown; [S.L : S.N., N.D.]
Object type: Poster
Place made: Unknown
Date made: c. 1915
Physical description: letter press
Measurements: 77 cm x 101.5 cm
Summary: Australian First World War poster concerned with the issue of conscription. As voluntary enrolments into the AIF fell after the initial enthusiasm of 1914, the conscription suggestion gained prominence. Compulsorary military service, or conscription, for eligible men was in force in Australia from 1911, however, these forces were for home defence and could not be drawn on for overseas service. Conscription for overseas service was furiously debated in Australia and prime minister Billy Hughes called two referendums in 1916 and 1917 to vote for the proposal. Both referendums were defeated, albeit narrowly in 1916. Australia and South Africa were the only two participating nations not to introduce conscription in the First World War.
Copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
Related subject: Conscription; Recruiting
Related place: Australia
Related conflict: First World War, 1914-1918

Last-Modified: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 17:25:08 GMT

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