The Significance of Kokoda - 1187 Words

The significance of Kokoda for Australian’s can be seen in many different ways. In a strategic sense and also in a symbolic sense. Firstly, the Kokoda Campaign saved Australia from possible invasion, or more precisely from being isolated from the United States of America . Secondly, Kokoda was the battle that lead to victory in the Second World War, as well as to improvement of Australia’s post-war practices and military operations. Symbolically, the Kokoda Track will be remembered when Australia’s think of the Second World War, just like when you think of the First World War, the landing at Gallipoli looms large, both have captured the Australian imagination. Each year five thousand Australians take up the mentally and physically†¦show more content†¦As the Kokoda fighting began in July 1942 , the scheme of both sides was in transition. The Japanese felt it was time to defend their gains, and halt the fighting and advancing. But the Allies were thinki ng differently. Having massive amount troops, ships, aircraft and supplies in New Zealand and Australia, they made the decision to launch a counterattack to defend and retake some of the islands that were occupied by the Japanese. Papua had no particular resource that they desired, but it was a useful link in the chain of defences of the newly conquered area of Japan. So because Japan was quickly gaining new lands closer to Australia, posing a threat to Australia’s safety, the battle of Kokoda was the most important Australian-fought victory, in terms of winning the war. The campaign helped to shape Australia’s post-war training practices and military operations. Although it was not they first victory against Japan, it allowed the allies to make thrust forward through ‘island hopping’ and ultimately win the war. Kokoda was the battle that ended Japan’s dominance and permitted the Allies to go on the offence. Australia greatly learned from their Koko da experience, and subsequently improved their strategic thinking. They learned to not purely rely on naval defences, and realised that they cannot just let other countries dot the fighting. â€Å"†¦the modern Australian professional army wasShow MoreRelatedAustralia s Involvement For The Australian War1353 Words   |  6 PagesJanuary 1943, the events of the Kokoda Trail Campaign and the Battle of the Beachheads took place on what was once the Australian territories of Papua and New Guinea. Good morning, I am Lee Varnes, and I am representing the Australian War Memorial to inform you of the significance of Australia’s involvement in the Papua Campaign. I will be discussing the reasons behind Japan’s invasion of Papua, the course of the campaign, the outcome of the campaign and the significance it had on the Australian peopleRead MoreThe Battle Of The World War1455 Words   |  6 Pagesdifferent conflicts that it’s almost impossible to point to a single battle as a turning point† During the war some turning points for the Allies were; The Fall of Singapore, The Bombing of Darwin, The Battle of the Coral Sea, The Battle of Midway and The Kokoda Campaign. The United States Forces also played a big role in the war in The Pacific Theatre and the turning points for The Australian Forces. The Japanese Bombing of Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941 was the starting point of the war in The PacificRead MoreAustralian History Essay - Contributions in World War 21753 Words   |  8 Pagesundeniably came in the campaign in Papua New Guinea, in the Pacific Theatre of War. This was fought against the feared Japanese forces, and it was there that the Japanese sustained their first land defeat, and according to Paul Ham, who wrote the book Kokoda (2004) it was â€Å"the start of the great roll-back of the Japanese troops†. The Australian troops, with very little aid from any other country, managed to stop the Japanese advance across islands in South East Asia. In doing this they were able to playRead MoreModern History.Hsc.2012 Essay25799 Words   |  104 Pagesfelt like istory had turned a corner and never going back * stock market * black Thursday November 24 1929 * the jazz age * a speakeasyyyyyyy How significant were the Republican policies in causing the great depression? The significance of the republic policies were great, they brought a lot of growth in the 20’s allowing the market to strive over lots of trading and the purchase of shares, but was also an unstable market, as the government had no control over what it did and