One consequence of the British Empire was the emergence of the Australian 'character' - a half-legendary figure fashioned from the struggle against a harsh environment and the influence of imperial power. He was born not in the growing cities on the sea-board but in the Outback, somewhere beyond 'the Black Stump,' a mythical landmark at the end of the known world. The Australian character was supposedly independent, despising authority. But in the Great War, Australia sent a volunteer army of 330,000 to fight for King and Empire. The Australian legend found its climax in the defeat at Gallipoli.