how WW1 and the battle of Gallipoli impacted on New Zealand's sense of identity
WW1 and the battle of Gallipoli has greatly impacted on New Zealand's sense of identity. Before the Great War New Zealanders identified themselves as British, during the time of the war soldiers fought alongside men from Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, India and France. The Kiwi soldiers saw themselves as different from the others, they had different accents and phrases and they also acted differently from the men originating from other commonwealth countries. The differences they seen in themselves made them feel proud to be New Zealanders. During the war soldiers spent a lot of time with the men in their infantry who were often from the same town. The large amounts of time spent together increased the sense of belonging to their community and country. After the war New Zealanders were proud of what they had achieved and were proud to call themselves New Zealanders. Soldiers returned home as heroes for their courageous actions during the war which lead to manhood becoming an icon for New Zealand’s nationhood.
Ormond Bruton a soldier who served at the battle of Gallipoli and in France said
"Somewhere between the landing at ANZAC and the end of the battle of Somme .New Zealand very definitely became a nation"
The 25th of April also known as ANZAC day is the day of the landing at Gallipoli. It is now a significant day for New Zealand as it is the day were we remember and pay respect to the soldiers who have fought for our country. ANZAC day has become a part of New Zealand’s identity. On ANZAC day dawn services are held where community’s gather to pay their respect, during the service a verse from the poem ‘For the Fallen’ written by Laurence Binyon is read and a lone bugler plays The Last Post which is followed by a minute of silence. The red poppy is worn as a symbol for ANZAC day. Red poppies symbolise ANZAC day as the flower grows amongst soldiers graves in Belgium and France. World War 1 has played an important part in New Zealand’s history and physical reminders of the Great War are in almost every New Zealand town in the form of war memorials, commemorative plaques and monuments.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
-Verse from ‘For the Fallen’ written by Laurence Binyon
New Zealand communities knew that there was nothing that they could do to ensure their loved ones safety. However organisations were set up to fundraise for the soldiers who were fighting overseas. Everyone did their part from collecting money to knitting comfort items such as socks and shirts. The organisations did all that they could to make the soldier's life more comfortable. This brought communities closer together, people worked alongside one another all with the common cause of doing their part for the war. The time in which soldiers abroad and communities at home spent together established New Zealand's sense of identity and belonging. In a way World War 1 forced New Zealanders to work together and support one another which brought everyone closer together.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed in June of 1919 which signified the end of the war. During the war New Zealand’s international status strengthened due to New Zealand’s contribution to the war. Up until 1919 New Zealand was a member of the British Empire. After the signing of the treaty New Zealand entered the League of Nations as a ‘member of its own right’ which played a crucial role in New Zealand’s road to independence.