New Zealand's involvement in the First World War, although brief, played a major role in the Battle of Gallipoli and the shaping of New Zealand culture. The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps were at the forefront of the Gallipoli campaign. Although this battle would be won by the Ottoman Empire, many brave men fought and lost their lives for their country and their king. ANZAC Day, dedicated to the memory of these troops, is celebrated every year on 25 April. This day is used to remember the 2,721 New Zealanders and 8,700 Australians who died on that battlefield. New Zealand's history was simply enriched after the end of the Great War. New Zealand was first officially discovered by Abel Tasman on 13 December 1642. Although the first British flag flew on the island on 15 November 1769, it was not officially settled until 6 February 1840. Along with New Zealand, New Zealand Great Britain had colonized other countries such as Canada or Australia. The armies of Australia and New Zealand would work side by side during the war. In 1914, at the start of the First World War, New Zealand was called the Dominion of New Zealand rather than the Colony of New Zealand, a name which had been changed in 1907. When they saw the war coming, the government decided to take some additional steps. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Sir Joseph Ward, saw that war was coming soon enough. New Zealand's economy was dependent on Britain, so when the threat of world war arose, they took the lead. In 1909 he ordered the construction of HMS New Zealand which would later serve in the Royal Navy. Along with this came the 120,000 troops that New Zealand would recruit and train. Recruiting began quite early, when Lieutenant General of the British Army Robe...... middle of document ...... on9. “Pre-armistice day surrenders.” Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. Accessed 24 February 2014. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/armistice-day/pre-armistice-surrenders10. “Bank holidays: New Zealand's special national holidays.” Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Accessed 24 February 2014. http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/public-holidays/page-511. “The end of the campaign – the Gallipoli campaign”. Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. Accessed 24 February 2014. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-gallipoli-campaign/the-end-of-the-campaign12. “Waitangi Day”. Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. Accessed 24 February 2014. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/waitangi-day13. “25 April 1915 – the Gallipoli campaign.” Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities. Accessed 24 February 2014. http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/the-gallipoli-campaign/25-april-1915