Conscription during the First World War 1914–1918 [Aust War Mem]

What was the initial response to enlistment for the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at the outbreak of the First World War?

• There was a shortage of volunteers.

• Recruitment officers had to turn people away due to high numbers.

• Conscription was immediately introduced.

• Only a few people volunteered.

What did the Defence Act 1903, s. 49, prohibit?

• Compulsory military service within the Commonwealth.

• Voluntary military service overseas.

• Compulsory military service beyond the Commonwealth without consent.

• Military service for women.

Who was the Prime Minister of Australia during the first conscription referendum?

• Robert Menzies

• John Curtin

• William Morris Hughes

• Joseph Lyons

What was the outcome of the first conscription referendum in 1916?

• It was passed with a large majority.

• It was postponed.

• It was narrowly defeated.

• It was unanimously rejected.

Which states voted against conscription in the first referendum?

• South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania

• Queensland, Tasmania, Victoria

• New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia

• Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania

What was the result of the second conscription referendum in 1917?

• It was defeated.

• It was narrowly passed.

• It was postponed.

• It was passed with a large majority.

Who was a prominent anti-conscription activist during the second referendum?

• Dr Daniel Mannix

• Billy Hughes

• Robert Menzies

• John Curtin

Which countries did not introduce conscription during the First World War?

• Australia, United Kingdom, Canada

• Australia, United States, India

• Australia, South Africa, India

• Australia, Canada, New Zealand

What was the main reason for the decline in volunteer numbers for the AIF by 1916?

• New laws prohibited enlistment.

• The economy improved.

• Casualty rates increased.

• The war had ended.

What was the political consequence of the first conscription referendum's defeat?

• The referendum was held again the next day.

• Conscription was immediately introduced.

• The Labor Party split and Hughes formed the Nationalists.

• The Labor Party gained more power.