Somewhere between the landing of Gallipoli and the battle of Somme New Zealand became a nation.- |
The flower of the worlds Manhood.- |
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Before WWI New Zealand had an identity but not one separate from the imperial family. The majority of the small population considered themselves to be British, in fact that was the reason so many people supported and volunteered for the war in the first place. It wasn't until during and being around the British and Australians that the soldiers began to compare themselves to the other nations realized that New Zealanders were unique. During the war New Zealanders became known as diggers, Kiwilanders, Fernlanders and most importantly Kiwis. However, after the war was when new Zealand prospered as a nation. New Zealanders became proud of who they are and what they had accomplished. In some ways the war forced new Zealanders into coming together, great suffering and catastrophe that New Zealand had never seen before forced the country into forming a united front and coming together to over come the trauma. The war showcased the attributes that New Zealand is still known for to this day. The bravery practicality ingenuity and loyal to both king and comrade is what defined New Zealand for years after. New Zealand became known as a Mans country and manhood became our national and international quality. After the war New Zealanders began to realize that Britain wasn't infallible and in some ways grew ashamed of Britain because they weren't what so many of the troops had grown up idolizing and aspiring to be. We also started to recognize our own achievements and proved to be independent and able to survive without our colonial parent. Some say the most important event in consolidating our national identity was Gallipoli. We were left separated from our leader, the British and left to defend ourselves resulting in a tragic ending. However during the Gallipoli campaign we developed an everlasting foundation and mutual respect for the Australians. However the most important event in New Zealands identity was when the Maori began to see themselves as a nation instead of a seperate one. Although some were skeptical it was a major step in the country uniting as one. New Zealands involvement in the war proved to the empire that we were loyal and could stand alone and not try to rebel against the crown. This contributed to the independence of the country in 1947.