Explore Australian Responses to the Decline of Britain as a World Power in the Twentieth Century.
INTRODUCTION
At the turn of the twentieth century Britain was a forced to be reckoned with in relation to economic and military supremacy. It is no surprise then that Britain’s dominions were heavily dependent upon the Empire for economic and defence purposes. Australia was no exception when it came to relying the Empire; in particular Australia’s links with Britain were strong in the areas of economic dependence and military protection as well as having vast cultural ties. However with the progression of the twentieth century and the decline of British power these ties underwent a number of changes to the point where Australia’s current relationship with Britain is almost as an equal power as opposed to being a simple dominion. Australia’s changing economic, defence and cultural ties as a result of Britain’s declining world power status will be addressed throughout this essay.
ECONOMIC TIES
Throughout the early part of the twentieth century, whilst Australia was still an extremely new country, Britain provided for a number of economic needs of her dominion. In particular Australia was particularly reliant on the mother country in the areas of trade and immigration to assist with the financial security and growth of the new country. These two areas and the changes that occurred over time will now be discussed.
TRADE DEPENDENCIES
At the beginning of the twentieth century Britain was a force to be reckoned with in relation to economic supremacy; despite this the mother country produced little of what she consumed in her own boarders. In fact a majority of her produce was imported from her dominions of which Australia was one . For a better part of the century Australia was extremely dependent on the British market as an outlet for her wool, wheat, diary and meat products (p56) . This inflow of British capital was absolutely essential to Australia who, without Britain, would have had trouble providing for the basic needs to the public. Still despite this inflow
At the turn of the twentieth century Britain was a forced to be reckoned with in relation to economic and military supremacy. It is no surprise then that Britain’s dominions were heavily dependent upon the Empire for economic and defence purposes. Australia was no exception when it came to relying the Empire; in particular Australia’s links with Britain were strong in the areas of economic dependence and military protection as well as having vast cultural ties. However with the progression of the twentieth century and the decline of British power these ties underwent a number of changes to the point where Australia’s current relationship with Britain is almost as an equal power as opposed to being a simple dominion. Australia’s changing economic, defence and cultural ties as a result of Britain’s declining world power status will be addressed throughout this essay.
ECONOMIC TIES
Throughout the early part of the twentieth century, whilst Australia was still an extremely new country, Britain provided for a number of economic needs of her dominion. In particular Australia was particularly reliant on the mother country in the areas of trade and immigration to assist with the financial security and growth of the new country. These two areas and the changes that occurred over time will now be discussed.
TRADE DEPENDENCIES
At the beginning of the twentieth century Britain was a force to be reckoned with in relation to economic supremacy; despite this the mother country produced little of what she consumed in her own boarders. In fact a majority of her produce was imported from her dominions of which Australia was one . For a better part of the century Australia was extremely dependent on the British market as an outlet for her wool, wheat, diary and meat products (p56) . This inflow of British capital was absolutely essential to Australia who, without Britain, would have had trouble providing for the basic needs to the public. Still despite this inflow
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