How WWI radicalised Indigenous soldiers

How WWI radicalised Indigenous soldiers

From Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast by ABC Australia

April 27, 2026 · 24 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the radicalisation of Australian indigenous soldiers during World War I and the formation of the first all-Aboriginal political organisation.

Australian indigenous soldiers who served in World War l were radicalised by the experience. They were shaken and angered by the injustices they experienced, both while serving and when they returned home. The result was the formation of the first all-Aboriginal political organisation. Guest: John Maynard, historian, author, Emeritus Professor at Newcastle University, contributor to the book ‘Challenging Anzac: stories that don’t fit the legend’ (NewSouth) Producer: Ann Arnold

People in this episode

Guest: John Maynard

Topics covered

  • indigenous soldiers
  • radicalisation
  • political organisation
  • World War I
  • injustice
  • history

Keywords

  • indigenous soldiers
  • radicalisation
  • World War I
  • political organisation
  • injustice

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Newcastle University, ABC Australia

Books & works: Challenging Anzac: stories that don’t fit the legend

Places: Australia

More episodes of Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast podcast page.