A QUESTION OF LOYALTY: THE EFFECT OF THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE ON THE 1966 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL ELECTION

The 1966 Australian Federal Election is unique in Australian history, in that it is the only Federal Election where issues of domestic policy were largely ignored in favour of debate over foreign policy. This thesis explores the issue which dominated 1966, the American Alliance. The Alliance was able to affect debate on the Australian use of conscripts in the Vietnam War as well as creating considerable friction in the Australian Labor Party. In addition the American Alliance created an environment which saw the first American President visit Australia, a visit and relationship which was exploited by both sides of politics