JOURNAL ARTICLE

Conscription put to the vote: 1916–17.

  • Published In: Australian Geographic, 2026, n. 192. P. 21 1 of 2

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 2

Abstract

The article focuses on Australia’s two failed conscription referendums during World War I. Initially relying on a volunteer army, Australia faced declining enlistments after heavy casualties, prompting Prime Minister William Hughes to seek conscription to meet military demands. Despite intense and divisive public debate reflecting deep social and political divisions, the first referendum in October 1916 and a second in December 1917 were both narrowly defeated. The political consequences included a split in the Labor Party and the formation of a new government under Hughes. Over 420,000 Australians enlisted voluntarily during the war, with 60,000 fatalities. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Australian Geographic. 2026/05, Issue 192, p21
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2026
  • ISSN:0816-1658
  • Accession Number:193187887
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