This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

The Gough Whitlam Dismissal -- Why Did He Go?

Watch: The Gough Whitlam Dismissal -- Why Did He Go?

Video by Tom Compagnoni

"Well may we say, God save the Queen. Because nothing will save the Governor General."

Most Australians are familiar with this famous phrase from the 11th of the 11th, 1975. The dismissal of Labor legend Gough Whitlam as Prime Minister is etched into political history as one of our most controversial moments.

The 'constitutional crisis of 1975', as it is often referred to, culminated in Whitlam losing his job as PM 18 months into his second term.

But as we move towards the 40th anniversary of 'The Dismissal' on November 11th, we acknowledge a new generation that may not know what lead to the Whitlam government's downfall.

In a short video explainer, HuffPost Australia looks at the events leading up to that famous speech, which took place on the steps of parliament house four decades ago, but remains as part of our political discourse today.

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