The Politics Experiences and Legacies of War in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

War has always had a profound impact on nations, shaping their politics, experiences, and legacies. This article examines how the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have been influenced by their involvement in major conflicts throughout history.

The United States: From Independence to Global Superpower

The United States has a rich history of military involvement, from the Revolutionary War that led to its independence to its current status as a global superpower.

One of the most significant wars that shaped the politics, experiences, and legacies of the United States is the Civil War. It not only tested the nation's resolve but also resulted in the abolition of slavery, reshaping the country's social and political landscape forever.

Indigenous Peoples and the Second World War: The Politics, Experiences and Legacies of War in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

by R. 'Mike' Crosley(Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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World War II was another major turning point, where the US emerged as a global superpower. The war's aftermath led to the formation of influential international organizations like the United Nations, which significantly influenced US politics and foreign policy.

Canada: Forging a National Identity

Canada's experiences of war have played a crucial role in shaping its national identity, as it transitioned from a British colony to an independent nation.

The country's involvement in World War I saw Canada emerge as a respected military power, with contributions on the Western Front that solidified its place on the world stage. Nonetheless, this war-induced cultural and political unity soon faced challenges, particularly during the conscription crisis, which led to deep divisions within Canadian society.

Canada's role in World War II further influenced its politics and its standing on the international stage. The allied victories in Europe helped secure Canada's reputation as a peacekeeping nation and a beacon of democracy.

Australia: Anzac Spirit and National Pride

Australia's experiences of war have become an integral part of its national identity, most notably through the Anzac spirit. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) demonstrated incredible courage and resilience during World War I, particularly in the Gallipoli campaign.

The horrors of World War II influenced Australia's involvement in subsequent conflicts and shaped its political landscape. It prompted closer ties with the United States and led to the establishment of the Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty (ANZUS),which remains a significant part of Australia's defense strategy today.

New Zealand: A Pacific Island Nation's Role

New Zealand, as a Pacific island nation, has had its share of war experiences and the subsequent political implications.

World War I saw New Zealand troops participate in major battles, forging a sense of national pride and identity. The Gallipoli campaign, in particular, left a lasting impact on the nation and is commemorated every year on Anzac Day.

New Zealand's involvement in subsequent conflicts, such as World War II and the Vietnam War, further influenced its politics and defense policies. These engagements helped strengthen alliances with other nations and solidify New Zealand's position as a responsible global actor.

Legacies and Remembrance

The legacies of war remain etched in the collective memory of these nations, as they continue to grapple with the aftermath of these conflicts.

Memorials, museums, and ceremonies serve as reminders of the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians alike. The remembrance of war is deeply ingrained in the culture and politics of each country, with annual commemorations serving as a testament to their enduring legacies.

The politics, experiences, and legacies of war in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have shaped these nations in profound ways. From the transformative impact of the Civil War in the US to Canada's forging of a national identity through World Wars to Australia's Anzac spirit and New Zealand's role as a Pacific island nation, each country's involvement in major conflicts has left a lasting imprint.

Indigenous Peoples and the Second World War: The Politics, Experiences and Legacies of War in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

by R. 'Mike' Crosley(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	359 pages

FREE

During the Second World War, Indigenous people in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada mobilised en masse to support the war effort, despite withstanding centuries of colonialism. Their roles ranged from ordinary soldiers fighting on distant shores, to soldiers capturing Japanese prisoners on their own territory, to women working in munitions plants on the home front. R. Scott Sheffield and Noah Riseman examine Indigenous experiences of the Second World War across these four settler societies. Informed by theories of settler colonialism, martial race theory and military sociology, they show how Indigenous people and their communities both shaped and were shaped by the Second World War. Particular attention is paid to the policies in place before, during and after the war, highlighting the ways that Indigenous people negotiated their own roles within the war effort at home and abroad.