The Great Australian Emu War of 1932

I’m very much an armchair historian when it comes to some of this planet’s horrifically destructive conflicts over the years.

I could sit and talk about trench warfare in the First World War for hours. I could sit and talk to somebody about Wehrmacht movements across Europe for hours. I could sit and talk about the rise and use of air cavalry in the Vietnam War for hours.

However, something I’m a little less knowledgeable about is the Great Emu War that occurred late in 1932 in Australia.

So, it’s time for us to all do a little learning together…

Before I go into any of the backgrounds to this… “conflict”, I just want to talk about the concept of a National Bird.

The idea of a National Bird is one of national pride and symbolism.

From the start of time, people have always responded to symbolism when linked with nationalism – and we even see it nowadays on a smaller level with football mascots or office pets.

Let’s look at India’s National Bird, for example, the Indian Peafowl.

The Indian Peafowl is a beautiful creature whose vibrant plumage represents the beauty of India. As such, it is a protected species in India.