Australia's Military History for Dummies

The simple and easy way to get your mind around Australia's military history

More people are visiting Gallipoli and walking the Kokoda Trail each year -- now find out why. This complete guide helps you trace the story of Australia's involvement in war, from the colonial conflicts with the Indigenous population, through the World Wars to peacekeeping initiatives in East Timor and the controversial conflict in Afghanistan.

Find out the origins of Australia's military history -- go all the way back to the arrival of the First Fleet and the conflicts with the Indigenous peoples

Learn about the heroism of the Anzacs -- discover the origins of the legend of Gallipoli, and how the brass bungled the campaign

Discover the horrors of war -- consider the suffering and huge losses on the Western Front

Recognise the successful battles of World Wars I and II -- follow the Diggers' exploits in Palestine and Syria, and at Tobruk and Alamein

Marvel at the grim jungle battles -- track the Diggersthrough New Guinea, Borneo, Malaya and Vietnam between 1942 and 1972

Admire Australia's efforts to repel possible invaders -- learn how Australians defended their country against the Japanese during World War II

See how the Cold War heated up -- witness the fight against communism in the Korean and Vietnam Wars

Appreciate the modern-day Australian Defence Force -- acknowledge the courage of the men and women who protectus into the 21st century

Open the book and find:

New insights into the meaning of Anzac Day

Simple explanations of the structure of Australia's military

Details of who fought whom, where, when and why

Stories of Australia's great military fighters and leaders

Accounts of the iconic battles that established Australia's reputation

Locations of Australia's peacekeeping operations around the world

Ways in which war and conflict have shaped the nation

Reasons why Australia goes to war

Learn to:

Comprehend the impact of waron Australia

Appreciate the heroism at AnzacCove and other significant battlefields

Understand the controversies ofrecent conflicts, including in Vietnam and Iraq