Anti-war protests
In our collections
Our collections include a rich array of materials documenting Australia's long history of anti-war protests.
From the Vietnam War and Iraq War to the Nuclear Disarmament movement, explore photographs, posters, ephemera, and other resources that capture the spirit and impact of these significant political protests. Many of these items provide insight into the people and messages behind the movements that shaped public opinion and policy in Australia.
Andrew Chapman, Vietnam moratorium protest on the steps of the Victorian Parliament Building, Melbourne, Victoria, 1971, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147454180
Andrew Chapman, Vietnam moratorium protest on the steps of the Victorian Parliament Building, Melbourne, Victoria, 1971, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147454180
Just getting started?
For general sources and search tips to navigate our collections on protest, participation and dissent in Australia, go to our protest and dissent research guide.
Nuclear disarmament movement
Nuclear disarmament in Australia only began to gain traction from around 1970, with small scale protests occurring from 1963. It was only after France began nuclear testing in the Pacific in 1972 that more widespread concern was expressed from the Australian public. The 1976 protests against uranium mining in central Australia saw the movement gain in popularity. Seven thousand people marched in cities across Australia, with protests continuing well in the 1980s.
Leave uranium in the ground, 1980, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-298162652
Leave uranium in the ground, 1980, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-298162652
Key sources
We hold a large collection of material from a number of nuclear disarmament protests and a large collection of posters and photographs. There is also strong coverage in the digitised newspapers, magazines and journals available in Trove.
- Records of the People for Nuclear Disarmament
- Ephemera material from the Nuclear Disarmament Party
- Songbook from the anti-uranium mining protests
Because most items and material from this era is still in copyright, a lot of it is not available online. You can still request to view the items in person at the Library.
Some items may be available to buy a digital copy via our catalogue.
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
Use these general search terms to find broad resources:
You can also try these specific search terms:
- Nuclear Disarmament Protest Australia
- Nuclear Disarmament movement Australia
- Uranium mining protests
- Uranium Mining Ban
Protests against Iraq War
On 20 March 2003, United States forces and their allies went to war with Iraq with the goal of capturing Saddam Hussein and destroying any weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). In response to the announcement from the United States Government, many Australians took to the streets in protest of the war and the government’s support of it.
Wendy McDougall, Labor M.P. and Deputy Premier Andrew Refshauge (6th from right) is part of the head of the march for "No war" on George Street in Sydney on the day the bombs started in Iraq, 2003, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147367474
Wendy McDougall, Labor M.P. and Deputy Premier Andrew Refshauge (6th from right) is part of the head of the march for "No war" on George Street in Sydney on the day the bombs started in Iraq, 2003, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147367474
Key sources
The National Library has a collected many materials over the year relating to the protest against the Iraq War.
- Wendy McDougall photo collection: photos of the Iraq War protests held across Australia providing great insight into how widespread opposition to the Iraq War was by the Australian public.
- Iraq War 2003 ephemera collection: protest materials such as advertising material, booklets, brochures, posters, programs, and stickers.
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
Use these general subject headings:
- Iraq War, 2003-2011 -- Protest movements -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra -- Photographs
- Iraq War, 2003-2011 -- Protest movements -- New South Wales -- Sydney -- Photographs
- Iraq War, 2003-2011 -- Protest movements -- South Australia
- Peace movements -- Australia
- Peace movements -- Australia -- Posters
- Peace movements -- Australian Capital Territory -- Canberra -- Photographs
You can also try these specific search terms:
- Iraq War protest
- Iraq War Australia
- Invasion of Iraq protests
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was the first war to be televised and broadcast back to Australians, sparking widespread protest and sit-ins across the nation.
Association for International Co-operation and Disarmament National Liberation Front, Collection of Vietnam War posters, 197-, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2835439086
Association for International Co-operation and Disarmament National Liberation Front, Collection of Vietnam War posters, 197-, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2835439086
Key sources
We hold a substantial amount of collection material relating to the Vietnam War, especially advertising material, posters and other items. You can view some online in Trove.
Online
In person
- Vietnam War : ephemera material collected by the National Library of Australia
- Vietnam War and anti-Vietnam War movements in Australia: ephemera material in the Riley Collection.
Other places to look
If you need more material, go to the State Library of South Australia's Vietnam research guide.
Search tips
Use keywords to search by title, author or subject in the catalogue or Trove.
Try these search terms:
- Vietnam War Australia
- Anti-Vietnam War
- Australian-Vietnam protest 1965
Get help with your research
Our specialist staff can help you with your research, to locate resources and to use our microform and scanning equipment, but they cannot undertake extensive or ongoing genealogical, historical or other research on your behalf.
Find out more in our Information and Research Policy.