Social Effects:
1. Resistance and Protests: Conscription faced widespread resistance from a section of the population. This led to protests, demonstrations, and even riots in several cities, including Sydney and Melbourne. The anti-conscription movement gained momentum, fueled by concerns over individual liberties, the morality of war, and the fear of losing skilled workers from essential industries.
2. Division of Society: The introduction of conscription divided Australian society. Families, communities, and even political parties were split over the issue. The debates and divisions created a sense of tension and conflict within the nation.
3. Loss of Life: Conscription resulted in a substantial increase in the number of Australian troops sent overseas. This led to a significant rise in casualties and fatalities. Many families lost their sons, husbands, and brothers to the war, leaving behind grief and a deep sense of loss.
4. Increased Women's Participation: With a large number of men serving in the war, women took on more responsibilities in society. They joined the workforce in greater numbers, contributing to various industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. This marked an important step towards women's rights and their growing role in Australian society.
Political Effects:
1. Split in the Labor Party: The issue of conscription caused a deep division within the ruling Labor Party. Prime Minister Billy Hughes, a strong supporter of conscription, faced opposition from within his party. This led to a split, with Hughes forming a Nationalist government and the anti-conscription faction establishing the National Labor Party.
2. Referendums on Conscription: The public's opposition to conscription led to two referendums being held in 1916 and 1917. Both referendums resulted in a rejection of conscription, but they also revealed a significant level of support for the idea.
3. Political Instability: The divisions over conscription led to a period of political instability in Australia. Governments faced challenges in maintaining public support and dealing with the consequences of the war. The issue of conscription remained a contentious topic in Australian politics for many years after the end of World War I.
Overall, the introduction of conscription in Australia in 1916 had profound and lasting effects on the nation's social fabric and political landscape. The debates, divisions, and sacrifices that accompanied this decision shaped Australia's identity and its approach to war and military service in the years that followed.