1901-1914 Continued

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A picture and a drawing showing the warm welcome of America's Great White Fleet in Australian waters.

1911- Commonwealth Bank Established which stabilized economy with a guarantee not to fail during times of depression.

1913- The annual federal budget reaches nine million British pounds, almost tripling since 1901.

1914- By this time, recent boosts from immigration and natural reproduction raise the national population to almost five million.  The economy was also booming due to new refirgeration techiniques which opened up the Australian meat and dairy market to the wider world.

1914 June 28- Archduke Franz Ferdinand Assassinated

1914 August 5- Australia's government and major political parties pledge complete support for Britain, now at war with the Central Powers.  Labor leader Andrew Fisher's call, "to our last man and our last shilling," became the national cry.

The onset of the WWI marked a step back for Australian autonomy because England cashed in on promises of men and material and took control over much of Australia's military.  Initally, Australia promised 20,000 men and gave control of her fleet over to England.  The call to defend the motherland raced like a bushfire across the country and by 1915 over 50,000 volunteers were embarking for the War.  This intial, powerful, response proved that the Australian consciousness was not at ease.  The country felt it had to prove itself worthy of independence and like any good child was eager to be useful to its parent.  Only through the sacrifice of Australian blood for the sake of Old Europe could the new country hope to win recognition and diplomatic clout among its distant, close neighbors.

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