Australia
Australia is the largest nation in Australasia, comprising the mainland of the island of Australia, as well as the smaller island of Tasmania.
History
Australia was used as a penal colony by Great Britain following the independence of the 13 colonies until 1868. Since then, Australia became a commonwealth in 1901, forming the federation of Australia between most of the British colonies in the region aside from New Zealand.
When Great Britain entered the Great War, Australia was made to join in support. However, the Australian forces were contained in the southeast Pacific Ocean, predominantly against Holland in East Indies. When Britain finally sued for peace, Australia did as well. Australia recieved very few conditions of defeat in comparison to the other defeated powers, being forced to pay reparations to Holland. These payments were suspended when the Dutch monarchy was overthrown and rose into the Soviet Union.
When the East Indies began to receive independence, Australia attempted to gain influence over the region. However, the position was eventually granted to Japan. Australia began to become wary of Japan's influence in Asia and the Pacific, especially when Japan formed the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Australia recieved very little support from the other global powers, and largely became isolated during the tensions.
At the creation of the Commonwealth of Nations, Australia joined out of nescessity in order to gain assurance against Japanese imperialist ambitions. However, they grew closer in ideology with America and the growing Inter-American Confederation rather than their allegiance to British empire building.
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