Australia's Military History for Dummies

by Horner, David; Houston, Angus

• ISBN13: 9781742169835
• ISBN10: 174216983X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-09-19
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Created especially for the Australian customer! The simple and easy way to get your mind around Australia's military history More people are visiting Gallipoli and walking the Kokoda Trail each year - now find out why. This complete guide helps you trace the story of Australia's involvement in war, from the colonial conflicts with the Indigenous population, through the World Wars to peacekeeping initiatives in East Timor and the controversial conflict in Afghanistan. Find out the origins of Australia's military history - go all the way back to the arrival of the First Fleet and the conflicts with the Indigenous peoples Learn about the heroism of the Anzacs - discover the origins of the legend of Gallipoli, and how the brass bungled the campaign Discover the horrors of war - consider the suffering and huge losses on the Western Front Recognise the successful battles of World Wars I and II - follow the Diggers' exploits in Palestine and Syria, and at Tobruk and Alamein Marvel at the grim jungle battles - track the Diggersthrough New Guinea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam between 1942 and 1972 Admire Australia's efforts to repel possible invaders - learn how Australians defended their country against the Japanese during World War II See how the Cold War heated up - witness the fight against communism in the Korean and Vietnam Wars Appreciate the modern-day Australian Defence Force - acknowledge the courage of the men and women who protectus into the 21st century Open the book and find: New insights into the meaning of Anzac Day Simple explanations of the structure of Australia's military Details of who fought whom, where, when and why Stories of Australia's great military fighters and leaders Accounts of the iconic battles that established Australia's reputation Locations of Australia's peacekeeping operations around the world Ways in which war and conflict have shaped the nation Reasons why Australia goes to war Learn to: Comprehend the impact of waron Australia Appreciate the heroism at AnzacCove and other significant battlefields Understand the controversies ofrecent conflicts, including in Vietnam and Iraq

Author Biography

David Horner is the Professor of Australian Defence History at the Australian National University and is the author of numerous books on military history and defence policy. A former Regular Army officer, he saw combat as an infantry platoon commander in Vietnam in 1971.

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Part I: The Essentials of Australian Military History.

Chapter 1: Exploring Why Australia Goes to War.

Chapter 2: Coming to Grips with the Military.

Part II: The Wars of Colonial Australia.

Chapter 3: Colonial Confl icts.

Chapter 4: Battling the Boers, 1899–1902.

Part III: The First World War: Australia's Greatest Tragedy.

Chapter 5: Australia Goes to War, 1914.

Chapter 6: Creating the Anzac Legend at Gallipoli, 1915.

Chapter 7: Enduring the Horrors of the Western Front, 1916–17.

Chapter 8: Riding to Victory in Palestine, 1916–18.

Chapter 9: Hammering the Huns, 1918.

Part IV: The Second World War: The Empire Beckons.

Chapter 10: Winning the First Battles, 1940–41.

Chapter 11: New Theatres, New Allies and New Enemies, 1941.

Chapter 12: Defeating the Afrika Korps, 1941–42.

Chapter 13: Our Airmen in Europe, 1939–45.

Part V: Our War in the Pacific.

Chapter 14: The Japanese are Coming! 1941– 42.

Chapter 15: New Guinea Battles — A Jungle Hell, 1942–44.

Chapter 16: Fighting to the Finish, 1944–45.

Chapter 17: The Civilian Side of the War.

Part VI: The Aussies Do Their Bit in the Cold War.

Chapter 18: Taking up Arms for the United Nations in Korea, 1950–53.

Chapter 19: Backing the Brits in Malaya and Borneo, 1950–66.

Chapter 20: Fighting Alongside the Yanks in Vietnam, 1962–72.

Part VII: On Overseas Service.

Chapter 21: Peacekeeping Near and Far, 1947–2010.

Chapter 22: Flying the Flag in Iraq and Afghanistan, 1990–2010.

Part VIII: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 23: Ten Top Australian Military Leaders.

Chapter 24: Ten Famous Australian Battles.

Chapter 25: Ten Myths of Australian Military History.

Index.