4.1 Introduction

In the text of the Defining Moment on the landing at Gallipoli the author finishes with this sentence:

‘The Gallipoli campaign was a military failure but the characteristics that the Anzacs displayed throughout the campaign — bravery, ingenuity, endurance and mateship — have come to be celebrated as defining characteristics of the Australian personality.’

This has become the idea of the Anzac tradition or Anzac spirit, and is associated with the qualities that Australians showed. It was revived in the Second World War, and in the extensive Australian military efforts since.

You can look up the number of current Defence Operations and/or UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions Australians are serving in around the globe today.

The idea of the Anzac tradition or Anzac spirit is a national image.

You will need to explore how this image developed during the First World War and after, what challenges or criticisms it has faced, and how it is seen today in your community.

One way to do this is by studying and ‘interrogating’ both your local war memorial, and your local Anzac Day ceremonies.