Conscription and conscientious objectors Era of the Great War Conscription and conscientious objectors

Conscription and conscientious objectors In today’s class I am learning to: Describe the process involved in conscription Describe the treatment of conscientious objectors

Conscription and conscientious objectors Due to a shortage of troops, from 1916 onwards British men were conscripted (forced) to join the war. However some men refused to do so.

Conscription and conscientious objectors At the start of the Great War, Britain had a volunteer army. To try and get more soldiers the government launched a huge recruitment campaign. However this failed to attract the numbers which were needed.

Conscription and conscientious objectors In July 1915 the British government introduced the National Registrations Act. This law forced all men and women to sign a register so that they could be called up to play a part in the war, if required.

Conscription and conscientious objectors In January 1916 the Military Service Act was passed. This introduced conscription for single men aged 18-41, excluding certain groups such as clergy and some types of workers (in reserved occupations).

Conscription and conscientious objectors This law also recognised that some men may refuse to fight on moral grounds, and included plans for them to get civilian jobs or non- fighting military roles. In May 1916 this law was extended to cover married men too.

Conscription and conscientious objectors The final change to the conscription law came in 1918 when the age at which men could be recruited went up to 51. There was some public opposition to conscription, and there were notable protests against this.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Conscientious objectors

Conscription and conscientious objectors Many men had reasons for refusing to fight. Some people objected to the war because of politics. They believed that the war would help rich businessmen and hurt poor soldiers, and so they did not want to participate.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Other men objected on the grounds of religion or morals. They argued that it was wrong to fight and kill another human being, and so they would not do so. Others refused to even help people that were fighting.

Conscription and conscientious objectors The Military Service Act included plans for men to be allowed to refuse to fight. These men had to attend a Military Service Tribunal where they would argue their case for being allowed to not join the fighting.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Whilst waiting on a tribunal’s decision, many conscientious objectors were held in prison. During their time in prison they were often subject to physical and emotional abuse from the prison guards, or even other prisoners.

Conscription and conscientious objectors If the tribunal agreed, the men were allowed to work in a civilian job, or instead a non-fighting military role. However many men had their request denied and were forcibly sent to the army, where some then refused to follow orders.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Conscientious objector soldiers that refused to follow orders faced various punishments. They might be physically assaulted, or given extra work and duties to carry out. They certainly faced military prison and were threatened with death.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Some conscientious objectors were sent to special prisons and work camps. Conditions in these places were often very poor, and the work could be physically very intense. Some men died in these camps.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Psychological torture could be used on objectors. Some men were told that they were going to be shot. They were taken to the yard, blindfolded and the order to fire was given, although not actually carried out.

Conscription and conscientious objectors Conscientious objectors were generally unpopular. In their home communities many such men might be spat on or abused in the street. Some of them would be refused service in local pubs or shops.