World War 1 was a milestone in world history as well as New Zealand history. There were many events that led to World War 1 one but one event that gave a huge amount of catalyst to the beginning of the "Great War" was on 28 June 1914 when the assassination Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and his wife Sophie took place in the Bosnian city of Sarajevo. Thus, began one of the greatest battles in world history.
After the assassination of the Archduke and his wife King George V declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914. Nationalism, the unification of Germany in the 19th century, Britain and Frances alliance against Germany, the three super powers economic rivalry and many other factors also contributed to the war going ahead. War was a ticking time bomb.
Here is a link to the New Zealand article that announced the declaration of World War 1 in New Zealand. This declaration was received in New Zealand on 5th August 1914.
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19140805.2.84
World War 1 had huge impacts not only on soldiers who fought the war but families as well. It divided countries and caused mass destruction. Many people, in the millions were killed and thousands more injured. Cities were destroyed and families were broke. Countries went broke and millions of people suffered.
The war took around 100, 000 New Zealanders overseas by the end of which around 18,500 New Zealanders died and as many as 50,000 were injured. During that period of time and for New Zealand, being a small country that number was large. It brought devastation for families and an unbalance of life in communities.
The main reasons New Zealand soldiers were sent to fight in the war was Britain. Britain was considered the "Mother Land" and fighting for the mother land was considered a honour. Also because New Zealand as country, economically especially was dependant mostly on Britain for the selling of their major products such as wool, meat and dairy products and the selling of these ran a large majority of the New Zealand economy. For New Zealand it was essential to comply by Britain request for alliance and man power as the relationship with Britain needed to be maintained. .
The map below shows New Zealand soldiers placements in different countries and the year they were sent there.
After the assassination of the Archduke and his wife King George V declared war on Germany on 4th August 1914. Nationalism, the unification of Germany in the 19th century, Britain and Frances alliance against Germany, the three super powers economic rivalry and many other factors also contributed to the war going ahead. War was a ticking time bomb.
Here is a link to the New Zealand article that announced the declaration of World War 1 in New Zealand. This declaration was received in New Zealand on 5th August 1914.
http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=EP19140805.2.84
World War 1 had huge impacts not only on soldiers who fought the war but families as well. It divided countries and caused mass destruction. Many people, in the millions were killed and thousands more injured. Cities were destroyed and families were broke. Countries went broke and millions of people suffered.
The war took around 100, 000 New Zealanders overseas by the end of which around 18,500 New Zealanders died and as many as 50,000 were injured. During that period of time and for New Zealand, being a small country that number was large. It brought devastation for families and an unbalance of life in communities.
The main reasons New Zealand soldiers were sent to fight in the war was Britain. Britain was considered the "Mother Land" and fighting for the mother land was considered a honour. Also because New Zealand as country, economically especially was dependant mostly on Britain for the selling of their major products such as wool, meat and dairy products and the selling of these ran a large majority of the New Zealand economy. For New Zealand it was essential to comply by Britain request for alliance and man power as the relationship with Britain needed to be maintained. .
The map below shows New Zealand soldiers placements in different countries and the year they were sent there.
World War 1 despite all the misery and the sacrifices was the beginning of the New Zealand sense of national identity. When King George V declared war many New Zealanders were in support of it as they considered themselves to be British, despite growing up in New Zealand and considered Britain as their home. They had little hesitation in supporting
the "Mother Country". Due to this many New Zealanders willingly and enthusiastically entered the war without a clue for what they were in for. However, during the course of the war this feeling changed and New Zealand united as country and its countrymen began to realise that New Zealand was their real home.
Below are pictures of New Zealand soldiers during World War 1. These pictures give an indication of life for these men and the devastation but pride that came from war. It shows the large participation of men and the conditions they lived in.
the "Mother Country". Due to this many New Zealanders willingly and enthusiastically entered the war without a clue for what they were in for. However, during the course of the war this feeling changed and New Zealand united as country and its countrymen began to realise that New Zealand was their real home.
Below are pictures of New Zealand soldiers during World War 1. These pictures give an indication of life for these men and the devastation but pride that came from war. It shows the large participation of men and the conditions they lived in.
World War 1 was a highlight in New Zealand's history. It had a huge impact on soldiers, their families and communities. It united New Zealanders as one nation and the heroes of the war are still remembered today, almost 100 years later. World War 1 was very significant to New Zealanders as New Zealand men and just as a country we had participation and recognition on a world stage. It had a huge impact within the nation and signified the beginning of New Zealanders uniting as a country through fighting together on the battle and bravely continuing life back home.