The Imperial Bond? Australia and the Coming Pacific War, 1937-41 - Presented at 2017 AHA Conference 'Entangled Histories' (original) (raw)

Abstract

Despite Australia's national interests being directly involved in the Pacific War, existing scholarly portrayals range from a nation pitifully underprepared and entirely dependent upon Britain for protection and policy direction, to a "Great Betrayal" of Australia by Britain. This paper will challenge such perceptions, examining Britain's inadequate strategic planning for the Pacific and the manner in which this growing insecurity encouraged Australia to pursue greater assertiveness in policy making. Developments between 1937-41 are examined with a particular reference to the strategic and diplomatic measures adopted by Australia in a bid to better position its interests and prepare for an imminent regional conflict. Namely, these measures were a balancing of rearmament and a conciliatory position towards an increasingly belligerent Japan. This paper speaks to the theme of Entangled Histories through its examination of Australia's position as an Anglocentric nation and member of the British Empire, whose immediate strategic interests lay in the Asia-Pacific region. This paper will consider the challenges implicit in attempts to maintain national interests when these interests exist in two vastly different geopolitical spheres. In this way, this paper contributes to a broader understanding of the factors shaping the practice of Australian foreign policy.

FAQs

AI

What explains Australia's dual interests in regional and imperial security leading up to war?add

The research reveals that Australia balanced its regional security interests with dependence on British imperial strategies, which often neglected Pacific concerns. This duality shaped Australia's approach to preparing for the Pacific War, marked by assertive diplomacy and military policy.

How did the Singapore Strategy influence Australian perceptions of security during the 1930s?add

The paper demonstrates that reliance on the Singapore Strategy heightened Australian anxieties as British naval supremacy waned post-World War I. As plans faltered and real capabilities diminished, Australia recognized the inadequacy of British support for its Pacific security.

What role did Australian diplomacy play in its preparation for the Pacific War?add

The analysis shows that Australia pursued diplomacy with Japan to prolong peace and gain time for rearmament, evidence being its rejection of proposed sanctions in 1937. This effort was intended to balance military readiness with diplomatic engagement, although ultimately unsuccessful.

When did Japan's aggressive expansion reshape Australia's strategic concerns significantly?add

Australia's strategic concerns intensified with Japan's invasion of mainland China on July 7, 1937, marking the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War. This event confirmed fears of Japan's expansionism and prompted Australia to rethink its defense policies amid British inattention.

What methods did Australia implement to strengthen its military capabilities before the Pacific War?add

The study highlights that under Prime Minister Joseph Lyons, Australia adopted a rearmament policy emphasizing self-reliance and air defense. By prioritizing the Air Force and constructing new bases, Australia aimed to address its regional security requirements in conjunction with imperial defense.

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