War ...continued

PERSONAL RESPONSES TO WAR

For Christians in Britain, the question as to whether they should take up arms became a very practical issue in 1916 when the Government introduced Conscription to the Armed Forces. There were those who on conscientious grounds refused to join. A growing number did the same in the USA.

Some refused to handle anything remotely connected with the prosecution of war, while others were willing to assist in non-combatant duties. Tribunals were set up to deal with these conscientious objectors. Some were ordered to work on farms or down the coal mines, while others would be allowed to stay in their jobs if they were regarded as reserved occupations. In the cases of complete refusal, some were sent to prison, and in nearly all cases, the families of the objectors were subjected to a lot of criticism and sometimes persecution from the public.