'Analysis of Australian Foreign Policy with the United States since 1941'
             "Australia looks to America, free of any pangs as to our traditional links or kinship with the United Kingdom." Curtin's historic speech of December 1941 marked a radical change in Australian foreign policy and the beginning of what would become a "dynamic alliance relationship." The Australian-U.S relationship has since it was formally established, undergone amazing transformations to become an alliance of several facets.
             In 1941 Australia turned to America for protection, primarily due to a fear mentality in Australian society: that of invasion from our Asian counterparts. Therefore, initially, the alliance was formed from a simple military request. However, it evolved to a multi-dimensional alliance, partnership, and friendship encompassing trade, security, and cultural and diplomatic links.
             Of the several components of the relationship (military, trade, and diplomacy), the military aspect formed the basis for the concordance and was integral to Australia's survival. The alliance, formed during World War Two, has been fortified and developed through much conflict; "in this century our bonds have truly been forged in the fires of war. War after war after war" . Australian and American forces have fought alongside each other in both World Wars (1914-1918, 1939-1945), Korea (1950-1953), Vietnam (1962-1975) and in the Gulf (1990-1991). Australia gave its support primarily for reciprocity; Australia backed America in the hope that the U.S would help us in the future if needed.
             This sense of being allies in war was made official in 1951 when the ANZUS Treaty was formulated. Signed at the height of the anti-communist sentiment during the Korean War, ANZUS symbolizes "a close alignment of enduring strategic interests" between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, and conventionally guarantees that if any member is threatened it binds them to consult ...