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The life and times of John Curtin

The Life and Times of John Curtin

Defining Moments

This year’s National History Challenge theme Defining Moments offers an opportunity to examine the life of John Curtin, wartime prime minister of Australia from 1941 to 1945. As more people investigate John Curtin’s life, we continue to discover more about his remarkable contribution to Australia’s history.

The significance of Curtin has been recognised in a number of biographies which are a great starting point for your research into his life. We recommend that you use either Serle or Edwards first and then Day or Ross for extra detail.

• Edwards, J (2005) Curtin’s Gift, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest
• Day, D (1999) John Curtin. A Life, Harper Collins, Sydney
• Ross, L (1977) John Curtin. A biography, Macmillan Pty Ltd, Melbourne
• Serle, G (1998) For Australia and Labor. Prime Minister John Curtin JCPML, Bentley

Some defining moments in the life of John Curtin

• His role in the Victorian anti-conscription movement during World War I and his decision to introduce conscription for men for overseas service– despite his former stance – during World War II. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/battles/victoria.html
• His induction as leader of the ALP in 1935. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/shapingthenation/htm/theme4.htm
• His assumption of the role of Prime Minister in 1941. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/manofpeace/crisis.html
• His declaration of war on Japan. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbour, the Curtin Government declared war on Japan, the first time in history that Australia had independently declared war on a foreign power.  Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/shapingthenation/htm/theme4.htm#img1 – Audio Clip
• The arrival of General Douglas MacArthur at Curtin’s request in 1942. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/macarthur/index.html
• Curtin’s cablegram war with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to secure the return of Australian troops stationed abroad. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/legacyex/foreign.html

• The passing of the Uniform Taxation Act of 1942 made an historic and permanent change to how and by whom taxation was collected in Australia. It resulted in the Federal Government gaining more power over the States and made possible the introduction of national social welfare programs. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/aspirations/index.html

 

• The introduction of various aspects of the National Welfare Fund, like free  prescription medicines and free hospital beds in the post war period, helped fulfil Curtin’s lifetime dream of creating a fair and just society in Australia. Begin researching at: http://john.curtin.edu.au/aspirations/index.html

Consider the causes and consequences of these or other turning points in the life of John Curtin. There are many options for an investigation of his life and times within the National History Challenge theme Defining Moments.

Check out the following web pages and books to help you begin your investigation of defining moments in the life of John Curtin.

Web pages

1. Black, D. Biography of John Curtin (nd)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/resources/biography/details.html

1. John Curtin. A man of peace, a time of war (2001)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/manofpeace/index.html

1. John Curtin: a fair go for all (2000)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/resources/humanrights.html

1. John Curtin’s legacy: leading Australia from war to peace (2005)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/legacyex/index.html

1. Aspirations of a working class man. Achievements under John Curtin’s leadership (2004)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/aspirations/index.html

1. Black, D Menzies and Curtin in World War Two (2006)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/ww2leaders/index.html

1. 7.      The art of the possible: creating an independent Australian foreign policy(2006)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/artofthepossible/index.html

1. Shaping the nation: John Curtin and Australia (nd)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/shapingthenation/htm/theme4.htm

1. The Prime Minister and the President. John Curtin and Franklin D. Roosevelt in World War II (2010)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/roosevelt/index.html

10.  Fighting Labor’s Battles: Conscription, the Great Depression and Party Unity (2010)

http://john.curtin.edu.au/battles/index.html

Books

1. Carroll, B (2004) Australia’s Prime Ministers from Barton to Howard, Rosenburg Publishing, Dural NSW. (provides a brief overview of Curtin’s life)
2. Drummond, A (2001) John Curtin, Green Barrow Publishing, Mentone Victoria. (a good beginner text for the primary school)
3. Edwards, J (2005) Curtin’s Gift, Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest NSW.
4. Day, D (1999) John Curtin a life, Harper Collins, Sydney.
5. Ross, L (1977) John Curtin A Biography, Macmillan, Melbourne.
6. Black, D (1995) In his own words. John Curtin’s speeches and writings, Paradigm Books, Bentley WA (includes many primary sources)

 

Prizes

State/Territory winners; Cash prize of $200

National winner; Cash prize of $300 and travel to Canberra to attend the National Presentation Ceremony in Mural Hall, Parliament House. The sponsor covers travel, meals, accommodation and incidental costs to, from, and whilst in Canberra up to the value of $500.

For More Information

Dr Jasmine Day

Education Officer

John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library

Jasmine.Day@curtin.edu.au

Phone: (08) 9266 4205

Fax: (08) 9266 4185

Web: http://john.curtin.edu.au