c 1900 - present modern Britain - Conscientious objectors Flashcards
c 1900 - present modern Britain
Define conscientious objectors
People who have religious, moral or political objections to war. For a short time in the 20th century it was classified as a crime.
What is a conscription ?
Law which states everyone who is asked to, and is fit and healthy has to fight in the armed forced.
Anyone conscripted = Refuse = crime committed
Conscription laws were introduced twice, in WW1 and WW2. In both cases, conscientious objectors had to make their objections known to authorities and were tired by tribunals who judged whether their objections were genuine.
Attitude to conscientious objectors
Punishment and treatment of COs by authorities were different in the 2 WW, this shows hoe people in authority changed their attitudes. However, the attitude of the general public and treatment of COs were fairly similar in both cases. This was probably because people and their families felt that they were making a huge sacrifice and others should to.
Different attitudes by authorities - WW1 ( 1914 )
Conscription for men - 1916
A clause in law excused conscientious objectors
About 16000 men refused to fight
Military tribunal made up of military officers and professionals decided if CO were genuine
Only 400 were given too exemption on grounds of conscious
‘ Alternativists ‘ were given to non combatant roles
‘ Absolutists ‘ were imprisoned, given brutal treatment and hard labour. 10 died in prison, 63 died after release and 31 had breakdowns
Different attitudes by authorities - WW2 ( 1939 )
Conscription for men - 1939 April and for women December 1941
A clause in law excused conscientious objectors
Around 59000 men and women refused to fight
Tribunals judged if CO were innocent
All except 12204 were given total or partial exemption
Those with partial exemption were given non combatant roles
Smaller % of those not given exemption were sent to prison and those who did were not treated as harshly
Similar treatment by general public
During both WWS, conscientious objectors were seen as traitors or cowards. Some COs were shouted at on the streets and sometimes also physically abused. They and their family risked being shunned by former friends.
Many found it hard to get work and some were dismissed from their jobs.
Some differences in WW2
Press were less harsh
fewer organised campaigns against Cos ,during ww1 a campaign , Order of the white feathers encouraged women to give white feathers symbolising cowardice to young men not in military uniform
