Project ID: 842
| Description | The First World War produced Britain’s first major anti-war movement. Conscientious Objectors (COs) were a collection of individuals who refused to fight. Although there were organisations such as the No-Conscription Fellowship, it was up to the individual, at enormous personal sacrifice, to make the protest. This meant facing alone the combined strength of the judiciary, the military, the government, and the vast majority of public opinion. Changes to attitudes and laws as a result of their protest were not brought about by an inspired or brilliant individual who forced change. There were no leaders of the movement as such, although there were prominent individuals. It was the accumulative action of ordinary citizens that made the difference. |
| Topics | War |
| Type | U3A-led research (not an SLP) |
| U3A | |
| Organization/partner | Citizens 800, Royal Holloway College |
| Year started | 2018 |
| Source of reference | Citizens 800 website |
| Notes | This is one of number of SLPs linked to the Citizens project at Royal Holloway College - see file card 547 for details See www.citizens800.org/U3A for more information |