Crime and Punishment-Conscientious objectors- WW1 to WW2 Flashcards
who were conscientious objectors?
People who have objections to war due to RELIGIONS(Quakers), MORAL(pacifists) and POLITICAL(socialists) reasons. Also, medical reasons such as asthma
For a short time in the 20th century, what became a crime?
Being a conscientious objector
What is conscription?
A law that states everyone of a certain age who is fit and healthy HAS to fight in the armed forces. Refusing is a crime and therefore, punishment is available.
Was everyone exempt from conscription?
No, only people doing work essential to the country.
Conscientious objectors were often referred to as ?
‘conscies’ or ‘COs’
Attitude to conscientious objectors and why?
- Punishment and treatment of COs was very different different in two wars, showing how people in authority changed their attitude.
- The general’s public’s attitude was similar in both world wars as they thought COs were cowards and traitors. Some were physically/verbally attacked, sacked from their jobs or found it difficult to get work. Also, their families would pay repercussions. In general, public humiliation.
Women gave people who were not at the armed services white feathers as a traditional symbol of cowardice.
How did the treatment differ from WW1 TO WW2? (14 issues)
WW1:
-1916 conscription for MEN:
WW2:
-April 1939 re-introduction of conscription for MEN 1941 for WOMEN
WW1:
-A clause in law excused conscientious objectors
WW2:
-A clause in law excused conscientious objectors
WW1:
16 000 men refused to fight
WW2:
59 000 MEN + WOMEN refused to fight
WW1:
-Military tribunals made up of military officers (biased) and professionals(e.g.doctors/nurses) decided if COs were genuine
WW2:
Tribunals (without military people to make the judgement impartial/unbiased) judged if COs were genuine
WW1:
-400 were given TOTAL exemption
WW2:
All except 12 204 were given complete or partial exemption
WW1:
ALTERNATIVISTS were given non-combatant roles such as bearing stretchers, ambulances, doing some factory work or farming to help the war effort
WW2:
Those with partial exemption were given non-combatant roles
WW1:
-ABSOLUTISTS were imprisoned , given brutal treatment and hard labour. 10 DIED, 63 DIED AFTER RELEASE- 31 BREAKDOWNS.
WW2:
Less people, who were not given exemption, went to prison and those that did were treated less harshly.
Who, specifically, were alternativists?
-People who refused to kill or attack anyone during the war but helped in other ways like driving ambulances, doing factory work or farming-even dangerous jobs such as bomb disposal.
SOMEONE EARNED A RED CROSS MEDAL FOR BRAVERY AND WAS AN ALTERNATIVISTS- STILL DISLIKED BY PUBLIC
-
Who, specifically, were alternativists?
People who refused to do anything to contribute to contribute to the war because they strongly believed it was wrong.
