conscientious objectors

• What are Conscientious Objectors?

  People with religious, moral, or political objections to war
• Why did conscientious objection become a crime in the 20th century?

  Because conscription laws mandated military service
• What is conscription?

  A law requiring fit individuals to serve in the armed forces
• What happened to those who refused to fight after being conscripted?

  They could be committing a crime
• When were conscription laws introduced in Britain?

  During the First and Second World Wars
• What was required of Conscientious Objectors during the World Wars?

  They had to make their objections known to authorities
• When did conscription for men begin during the First World War?

  In 1916
• How were Conscientious Objectors judged for their objections?

  By tribunals that assessed the genuineness of their objections
• How many men refused to fight during the First World War?

  About 16,000 men
• What was the outcome for most Conscientious Objectors during the First World War?

  Only 400 were given total exemption on grounds of conscience
• What happened to some Conscientious Objectors in prison during the First World War?

  Ten died in prison
• How did the general public view Conscientious Objectors during both World Wars?

  Many viewed them as cowards and traitors
• What alternatives were provided to Conscientious Objectors during the First World War?

  Non-combatant roles were offered
• What was the difference in public treatment of Conscientious Objectors between the two World Wars?

  The press was less harsh during the Second World War
• How did attitudes towards Conscientious Objectors change between the two World Wars?

  The authorities' treatment varied, showing changing attitudes
• What organization encouraged women to hand out white feathers during the First World War?

  The Order of the White Feather
• What are the similarities and differences in the treatment of Conscientious Objectors by authorities during the First and Second World Wars?

  Similarities:

  • Both wars had a clause excusing Conscientious Objectors
  • Tribunals judged the genuineness of objections

  
  

  Differences:

  • Fewer were imprisoned in the Second World War
  • Treatment in prison was harsher during the First World War
• When did conscription for women begin during the Second World War?

  In December 1941
• How many men and women refused to fight during the Second World War?

  Over 59,000 men and women
• What was the outcome for those who were not given exemption during the Second World War?

  A far smaller percentage were sent to prison compared to the First World War
• What roles were given to those with partial exemption during the Second World War?

  Non-combatant roles were assigned
• What does a First World War postcard depict about Conscientious Objectors?

  A CO as afraid to fight
• What social stigma did conscientious objectors face during WWI and WWII?

  They were viewed as cowards or traitors
• How were conscientious objectors treated by the public during both wars?

  They suffered verbal and physical abuse
• What role did newspapers play regarding conscientious objectors during the wars?

  They portrayed them negatively
• What legal repercussions did conscientious objectors face in both wars?

  Imprisonment or forced labor
• What was required of conscientious objectors before tribunals during both wars?

  They had to justify their objections
• What was a significant difference in the treatment of COs between WWI and WWII?

  Harsher treatment occurred in WWI
• What severe consequences did some COs face during WWI for refusing orders?

  They were executed or imprisoned
• What alternative punishment was more accepted during WWII for COs?

  Alternative civilian service
• How did the recognition of conscientious objection change from WWI to WWII?

  There was greater acceptance in WWII
• What legal provisions were clearer for COs during WWII compared to WWI?

  Legal provisions for non-combatant roles
• What were COs sometimes allowed to do during WWII?

  Perform non-combatant roles
• How were COs treated in WWI compared to WWII regarding military service?

  Many were forced into military service in WWI
• What was a common consequence for COs in WWI if their claims were rejected?

  They faced extreme punishment