World War I and Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visitors are kindly advised that this website includes images, sounds and names of people who have passed.

All users should be aware that some topics or historical content may be culturally sensitive, offensive or distressing, and that some images may contain nudity or are of people not yet identified. Certain words, terms or descriptions may reflect the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written, but are now considered inappropriate in today's context.

Key to library resources

Access anywhere with a library card In the Library (or anywhere with a Library card for NSW residents)
Available to access in the library Only in the Library
Publicly available online Publicly available

Peace

At 11 am on 11 November 1918 fighting ceased as World War I came to an end following an armistice with Germany.

In the following two years treaties of Versailles, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Trianon and Sèvres were signed bringing the war to an official end.

We have a souvenir "victory" programme of the celebrations that took place in Sydney in July 1919. It contains a summary of the terms of the peace treaty (Treaty of Versailles) that was signed on 28 June 1919 as well as the various official and sporting events held in Sydney to mark this important date.

Peace movement

We have the Australian Peace Alliance records, 1907-1924, 1943 as well as the Anti-Conscription League of New South Wales minute book, 23 September 1915-12 August 1917. You can view the records and minutes by visiting us.

You can also view pacifist journals, diaries and letters about the peace movement when you visit us.

Pacifist journals

Diary and letters

 

Peace bells: for the piano. Composed by Florence Hope

 

Copying, publishing or purchasing digital copies

You can make copies of pictures for research and study purposes by:

  • using a digital camera
  • using our microfilm reader printers 
  • ordering paper or electronic copies
  • ordering high quality digital scans  

You need to contact us for permission to publish our original materials. You must also acknowledge the Library and provide the correct location details. 

Find out more about copying and purchasing digital copies.