World War 2 broke was the result of a combination of unresolved issues from world war 1, aggressive nationalism, economic unrest, and failure to prevent the rise of totalitarian regimes. Australia’s initial focus was on supporting Britain however as the war progressed Australia’s own strategic and national interests became more pronounced.

Australia declared war on Germany in support of Britain in 1939 following the outbreak of war in Europe. Australian forces supported the British Navy participating in the Battle of the Atlantic and other key naval engagements.

However the focus changed as Japan entered the war and began attacking Allied territories, with the fall of Signapore the threat to the Australian mainland was ever increasing. This led to Australia taking a more strategic focus in the war effort by reinforcing naval forces in the Pacific with the help of American soldiers and destroyers. The Kokoda Track Campaign one of the most significant and famous campaigns in Australian military history as Australian soldiers defended Papa New Guinea and repelled enemies attempting to capture Port Moresby. The Bombing of Darwin in February 1942 was the largest ever air raid mounted on Australian soil by a foreign power.

Australia mobilized a huge portion of population to support the ware efforts Over 40,000 Australians lost their lives in combat and over 100,000 more were wounded over WW2, with many women joining the workforce or military auxiliaries.

The War had lasting effects on Australia including emerging as a stronger and more independent nation and strengthening national ties with the U.S.