Billy Hughes, then Prime Minister of Australia, faced growing discontent within the Labor Party over his unwavering support for conscription during World War I. His push for conscription stemmed from the increasing number of Australian casualties and the demand for more troops to sustain military efforts overseas. The Labor Party traditionally held a more pacifist position, making Hughes' strong backing for compulsory military service particularly contentious. As debates escalated, fierce opposition from fellow Labor members emerged, leading to ideological divisions that fractured the party's unity.

On November 13, 1916, the culmination of these tensions occurred when Hughes was formally expelled from the Labor Party. This expulsion marked a significant turning point in Australian politics, as it illustrated the challenging balance of political affiliation, personal conviction, and national duty. Hughes continued to advocate for conscription despite his expulsion, eventually leading to a national referendum in 1917, although that referendum resulted in a resounding rejection of the proposal for conscription.

The divisions caused by this event not only affected the Labor Party but also had lasting implications for Australian society. The internal conflict highlighted broader themes of loyalty, patriotism, and the moral complexities of war, as families and communities grappled with the human cost of the conflict. The tension within the Labor Party ultimately reflected the ambivalence felt by many Australians regarding conscription, and the repercussions were felt long after Hughes left the party.