User:Montana coombes

explain why Australia felt threatened by the spread of communism after ww2 and outline key events

After the close of World War 2 the world was thrown into a new conflict over ideologies - communism and capitalism. This became known as the Cold War. Australia felt threatened by the spread of Communism in the Asian region and several key events in this period highlight their fear.

The Korean War was fought from 1950 to 1953, when the superior North Korea invaded the pro-american south, both undemocratic. The democratic nations, including Australia, feared the threat of communism spreading through the 'domino theory'. Due to this theory, treaties, the Petrov affair and the Dissolution Bill, Australia was one of the First Nations that promised military aid to South Korea and pledged support to the USA.

The domino theory: The democratic nations’ fears of a communist world revolution seemed to be rapidly rising. It was believed that if one nation fell under communist domination, its neighbours would fall like a line of dominoes. This was the ‘domino theory’. Communism was already starting to spread through Asia, threatening national security, and Australia feared they would be next.

Treaties: Australia wanted international treaties for mutual alliance purposes especially since communism was threatening to spread south. Both the ANZUS and SEATO treaties were signed by Australia where service from the US and NZ was agreed for defence and support in the possibility of a war. These treaties helped Australia gain confidence over the rising threat of communism.

The Dissolution Bill The Communist Dissolution Bill was bought into Australia to attempt to remove the communist party. The legislation proposed to outlaw the communist party, permit the government to take possession of all property belonging to the Communist Party and prohibit anyone declared as a communist from holding a job in the trade union movement or in a government organisation. The bill highlights Australia's fear of communism and the increasing paranoia associated with communism. This Bill addressed the fear of communism and helped to assure Australians of their safety in Australia.

The Petrov Affair Prime minister, Robert Menzies, publicly declared that political asylum would be granted to a Soviet diplomat, Vladimir Petrov, hence the 'Petrov Affair'. When Menzies made this information public, he only increased Australia's fears. On top of this was the rumour of the soviet spy ring in Australia. People began asking questions about Australia's security and the gGovernment proclaimed they had complete control over communism and the spreading of communism.

Conclusion The Korean War never officially ended, but a formal peace agreement was negotiated and agreed upon in july 1953. However North and South Korea are still at war to this day and the frontline is heavily guarded by both sides. After World War 2, due to Australia's involvement in the Korean War, the domino theory, the Dissolution Bill and the Petrov Affair, communism did not spread to Australia and most fear and paranoia was decreased.