ANZAC Centenary 2014-2018: Sharing Victoria's Stories
Melbourne’s Swanston street in 1914 – calm and confident

Melbourne’s Swanston street in 1914 – calm and confident

History

History

Peter Corlett's sculpture of the Cobbers

Peter Corlett’s sculpture of the Cobbers

The First World War was one of the most significant events of the 20th Century, claiming the lives of more than 16 million people across the globe.

Even now, over 100 years on, we are all connected to the First World War through our own family history, the heritage of our local communities or the lasting impact it left on generations of Australians.

From the Declaration of War, to the various bloody battles and surrenders, and finally to the armistice and the global impact left in its wake, every detail has been recorded in hundreds, if not thousands, of books. Read this history section for an overview of this history and links to resources to find out more.