Why is the battle of Gallipoli of Significance to New Zealander's?
- The physical reminders of the war can be found in almost every New Zealand town. It's stamped on our urban geography, in the form of war memorials and street names.
"Great suffering was caused to a small country by the loss of so many of its young men. But the Gallipoli campaign showcased attitudes and attributes - bravery, tenacity, practicality, ingenuity, loyalty to King and comrades - that helped New Zealand define itself as a nation, even as it fought unquestioningly on the other side of the world in the name of the British Empire".
The Change of NZ Society Overtime.
The New Zealand society as a whole changed as soon as the nation entered the war from women starting to join the workforce, medical advancements, and soldiers receiving financial support if they were lucky enough to make it back. The war had evolved the country of New Zealand into modern day and age by changing its social order as men went off to fight at war women took their roles in the work place. The replacement was inevitable as there were such a higher number of men who volunteered to go of to represent New Zealand. Since, the battle had caused a great loss of lives those men who used to work would need to be replaced. So, it was planning for the future of the New Zealand society. The recruitment of women in the work force was a good idea because it meant that the soldiers could keep on fighting and the void of workers would be filled at all times. The New Zealand society changed from "women belonging in the kitchen".
"I would argue that the development of repatriation provisions for returned soldiers and the families of deceased soldiers positively affected the development of an early welfare state in New Zealand" Dr Gwen Parson of the University of Canterbury. A positive change that the New Zealand society saw was medical advancements as "surgeons and scientists learned life saving techniques from their attempts to treat the suffering they saw" they quickly became highly skilled with face reconstructions and leg amputees that helped to modernize the skills of these doctors. It also helped these soldiers to live another day. For some soldiers the battle had a positive impact . "I think NZ certainly benefited, which is an awful way to think about it for the whole development of medical science in response to what was happening on the war front"As soldiers came back there was financial support waiting if they wanted to buy homes and the chance to get skilled as training was offered. This helped for soldiers to help get back on their feet for those who got injured or simply needed an alternative form of income. The Battle also brought the organisation "Red Cross" to New Zealand and it helped those in need that had lost their family member's no source to live by.
"I would argue that the development of repatriation provisions for returned soldiers and the families of deceased soldiers positively affected the development of an early welfare state in New Zealand" Dr Gwen Parson of the University of Canterbury. A positive change that the New Zealand society saw was medical advancements as "surgeons and scientists learned life saving techniques from their attempts to treat the suffering they saw" they quickly became highly skilled with face reconstructions and leg amputees that helped to modernize the skills of these doctors. It also helped these soldiers to live another day. For some soldiers the battle had a positive impact . "I think NZ certainly benefited, which is an awful way to think about it for the whole development of medical science in response to what was happening on the war front"As soldiers came back there was financial support waiting if they wanted to buy homes and the chance to get skilled as training was offered. This helped for soldiers to help get back on their feet for those who got injured or simply needed an alternative form of income. The Battle also brought the organisation "Red Cross" to New Zealand and it helped those in need that had lost their family member's no source to live by.
Who We Are Today?
In conclusion The Battle of Gallipoli changed the future generations of the New Zealand society into appreciating each and every day that they have. As thousands of men died in the battlefield and keep on losing their lives for the people of New Zealand. Though the battle didn't give us an identity is further strengthened it. The nation we are today is based on the actions of those soldier at Gallipoli and those who followed in their footsteps. New Zealand knew that its contribution was vital and the confidence to play on the world stage.
"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives...you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lied side by side here in this country of ours... You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land they have become our sons as well " - Mustafa Kemal
The battle also signified peace with Turkey as Mustafa Kemal who later on ruled Turkey understood that the lives lost there were for a nation and to reassure the families back home having a cemetery and in memory of changing the name of the place to ANZAC cove which is an important place and event for the NZ society.