New Zealand proved them selves worthy as sons of the Empire. -
King George VI
The Women weren't the only ones that joined in with the fundraising for the war efforts. The schools were also involved with knitting fundraising and sending letters to the soldiers on the front lines. The schools education systems changed at the times of the war. Schools displayed patriotism and were taught imperialistic ideals. The schools cadets were taught to march and shoot straight and follow orders. Military training was compulsory to prepare young men to fight for 'King, Country and Empire' .
From the evidence given, it is implied that a lot of schools used these imperialistic ideas and military curriculum to encourage young men into the war. Though war fever was swept across Britain and most of the country, not all of us felt the same toward the war. Although most of the Maori rushed to support the war efforts and defend the crown some thought that the British had already caused enough harm toward them with the Maori community during the 19th century. The feeling was mutual it was a 'white mans war', the imperial policy stated that the natives- which the Maori were known as back then weren't aloud to fight along side the Europeans because they thought it was wrong for them to be treated the same and they had fears that the natives would rebel against the colonial masters. 2,000 men joined the native contingent and pioneer battalion which is now known as the Maori Battalion. Some believe that the war was what brought Maori and Pakeha together and saw each other for people instead of enemy's. After the war the maori gained the respect of the Empire and the British Soldiers. This contributed to New Zealand proving to the Empire that they are patriotic members.
For more on the nation after world war 1 click here |
Although New Zealand had the highest death toll out of the British Empire the results of the first world war weren't all bad. Due to gaining control of the enemy land the empire was able to expand, New Zealand gained western Samoa as a colony in the peace settlement by order of the league of nations. Our international status also benefited from the war, after a conference with Britain looking over the contributions during the war new Zealand felt a stronger partnership and a bigger role in the empire. New Zealand signed the treaty of Versailles as a part of the British empire. We also joined the league of nations mainly to add more support to the British opinion. Most importantly the Empire respected New Zealand more due to the loyalty to the king, fighting unquestionably on the other side of the world in the name of the crown.
|