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Seeking Security

Forging the Nation - Federation: the First 20 years

 

  • Forging the Nation: home
  • Federation
  • National identity
  • Seeking security
  • The First World War
  • Towards the future
  • Australians
  • Introduction
  • Boer War
  • Compulsory military service
  • Australia's own fleet
  • The Great White Fleet
  • Cadets at the coronation

 

Security was an important motive for Federation. The colonies' defence forces were amalgamated, and the Defence Act was enacted in 1903.

From 1905 the emergence of Japan as a Pacific power made Australians uneasy about their dependence on the Royal Navy. In 1908 the United States Navy visit to Australia further convinced those seeking an Australian navy that the need was vital.

In 1909 Field Marshal Kitchener, a hero of the Empire, visited Australia and recommended expanding the army through conscription. In 1911 conscription of teenage boys and young men for part-time service was introduced, the Royal Military College for the training of regular officers was opened, and the Royal Australian Navy was created. Factories producing clothing, harness, weapons and munitions were established, a naval college was opened and a flying school set up. The small arms factory at Lithgow NSW began the mass production of rifles in 1913.

Souvenir of the Great White Fleet visit to Australia, 1908

Souvenir of the Great White Fleet visit to Australia, 1908. AWM PROP 01895.006

Last updated: 3 December 2019

1 The Donations and bequests

Donations & Bequests

Your generous donation will be used to ensure the memory of our Defence Forces and what they have done for us, and what they continue to do for our freedom remains – today and into the future.

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2 Visit Transcribe.awm.gov.au

Transcribe

Help preserve Australia's history by transcribing records from the National Collection. Enhance accessibility and discoverability for all Australians.

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The placesofpride

Places of Pride

Places of Pride, the National Register of War Memorials, is a new initiative designed to record the locations and photographs of every publicly accessible memorial across Australia.

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Visit the Australian War Memorial

Visit the Australian War Memorial

The Australian War Memorial is open for visitors as we work to expand our galleries. Entry is free and tickets are not required.

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Canberra Highlands in Grayscale

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF
TRADITIONAL CUSTODIANS

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.
Location map of The Australian War Memorial
The Australian War Memorial building

The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue
Campbell ACT 2612
Australia
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The Australian War Memorial

Fairbairn Avenue

Campbell ACT 2612

Australia

 

Opening Hours

10 am to 4 pm daily (except Christmas Day)

 

In preparation for the daily Last Post Ceremony,

galleries are progressively closed from 3:40 pm.

 

Public entrance via Fairbairn Avenue, Campbell ACT 2612

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