CANBERRA, ACT. — The assassination by Serbian Nationals of His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Franz Ferdinand of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in June 1914 caused a chain reaction, as countries throughout the world allied themselves with either Serbia or Austria-Hungary.
World War I broke out as Britain formally declared war on Germany on August 4, 1914. As a result, its colonies and dominions around the globe were also drawn into the war. Canada, India, New Zealand and the Union of South Africa were among those countries that offered military and financial assistance.
Although Australia had achieved Federation in 1901, this did not mark independence from Great Britain; it was merely the first step in a process that would take another eight decades.
While Federation gave Australia the right to govern itself, the newly formed country was still allied to Britain.
On August 5, 1914, Australian Prime Minister Joseph Cook pledged support, offering Britain 20,000 troops, and stating that “…when the Empire is at war, so also is Australia.” Cook’s offer was accepted by the British government, which requested that the troops be sent “as soon as possible”.
