How did America influence popular culture in Australia?
The 'How' in this question holds two meanings: how as in the Why, or method; and how as in a description of impact. In this essay, I shall attempt to account for both.
How (as in method) did the USA change our formerly British ways? This was done in a 3-step process.
Step one was initiation. In Australia's case, WW2 was what initiated our relationship with America. During the war, we relied on America for protection (like we would have done with Britain if the Singapore disaster hadn't occurred). Australia was an important base for America in the Pacific. This was our first contact with American culture.
Our second step involved strengthening our ties with America. Even after the war, Americans continued their defence role in our regions through the ANZUS and SEATO pacts. …
