Conscientious Objectors in WWI

When I was first assigned the topic of conscientious objectors, I was both worried and excited. I was worried because I feared there would not be a lot of information on the subject. I was excited because I would be able to learn about something new. So, after some intensive research, this is what I came up with!

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A conscientious objector is "a person who, on the grounds of conscience, resists the authority of the state to compel military service" ( Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 1). I found that quote here. There were several types of conscientious objectors. Some were pacifists who did not agree with the war, some were politicians who thought that Germany was not the enemy, others were in religious groups that believed the war was against their religious beliefs. These religions included the Quakers and Jehovah Witnesses. I found that information at this website. Conscientious objectors were known by others as conscies or CO's. I also found that here.

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Lord Roberts, the British Army Commander in South Africa had this to say about conscientious objectors "compulsory service, I believe, as distasteful to the nation as it is incompatible with the conditions of an Army like ours, which has such a large proportion of its units for foreign service. I hold moreover, that the man who voluntarily serves his country is more to be relied upon as a good fighting soldier than is he who is compelled to bear arms." I found that quote here. I found this quote to be interesting because it came straight from an army official and gives his thoughts on objectors against the war.

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Both the United States and Great Britain had plans for the conscientious objectors. The objectors could either work in noncombatant military service, nonmilitary activity that aided the war effort, or activity that was considered important to society. However, pacifists that were not recognized by the government were treated worse. About 5,000 conscientious objectors were put into jail in the US 1940-45. I found that information here.

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There was an organization called the No-Conscription Fellowship .This organization was made up of the Socialist Labor Party and some Quakers. The leaders of this group were charged under the Defense of the Realm Act and were fined for their actions. The members that did not pay the fine were sent to jail. I learned about the No-Conscription Fellowship here.

Overall, I had an enjoyable experience researching conscientious objectors in WWI. I did not realize the number of people all around the world that were against the fighting.