Explain how World War 2 impacted on Australia's alliances with Great Britain, and the United States of America.
WW2 began in 1939 which impacted thousands of people and countries. Australia, Germany, Japan, Britain and United States of America were some of the significant countries that played a major role in WW2. Between these countries relationships were built and some were broken. The beginning of the war Australia had a strong relationship with both these countries and was fighting against the axis power, but in late 1940's these relationships changed dramatically. WW2 marked Australia's journey to finding their place in the world map.
During early WW2 Australia viewed Britain as their "mother country" which shows that these two countries had a strong relationship since WW1. In September 2nd 1939 after the invasion of Poland Britain declared war upon axis power. After this event Australia similarly got involved in the war because of her status as a dominion of Britain. Her foreign policies were tied to the mother country. This was announced by the Prime Minister Robert Menzies in 1939 3rd of September. It was the proving point of the relationship between these two countries. However there was the expectancy from both countries that either of countries would help in any way to defend each other. Many Australians remembered the trauma of WW1 and felt great sadness about involving in WW2. However Australia went to the war followed by Britain's lead out of sense of duty. .
America immediately declared war against Japanese in 1941 after the bombing of the Pearl Harbor. During this time Australia's relationship with US was not quite strong as the connection with Britain. Nevertheless they both were political partners therefore Australia agreed to fight alongside US. "Without any inhibitions of any kind, I made it quite clear (to the American president) that Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom".