AustLit

'James Scullin and John Curtin were both Labor Prime Ministers at times of national crises. Scullin led Labor to electoral victory in October 1929. Prime Minister Bruce had called an early election after he was unable to pass legislation to streamline Australia’s arbitration system. Less than two weeks later, Wall Street crashed and Scullin had to manage the ensuing Depression. Curtin became Prime Minister after the Coalition government fell on the floor of the house in October 1941. Two months later, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour. Scullin’s government was torn apart by the conflicting demands of labour and capital, whereas Curtin’s government successfully mobilised the country for war. Where Curtin’s achievements have been lauded and intensely researched, Scullin has been seen as a tragic figure and has attracted little historical interest. This book remedies this somewhat, bringing him into the same frame as Curtin to explore their shared political formations in the early labour movement.'  (Introduction)