This factsheet explores the history and ongoing relevance of conscientious objection to military service and taxation, highlighting key examples from World War I to present-day conflicts.
Related resources
There are two videos introducing the topic of conscientious objection. Symon Hill from the Peace Pledge Union gave an insightful talk about conscientious objection. Watch the videos below:
Stories of three conscientious objectors
Conscientious objection and the early history of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU)
This factsheet explains the moral and ethical grounds for objecting to military taxation, highlighting the efforts of Peace Tax campaigners and the history of war tax resistance.
2. Conscientious Objection during WW1
This factsheet details the emergence of conscientious objection in the UK during World War I, exploring the legal challenges, personal stories, and societal hostility faced by those who refused military service on moral and ethical grounds.
Related resources
Below, there are four videos covering different aspects of Conscientious Objection during the First World War:
Conscientious Objection During The First World War: Nationwide by Prof Lois Bibbings
Conscientious Objection During The First World War: In Bristol by Prof Lois Bibbings
Dorset Conscientious Objectors 1916-1918 by David Milner, Researcher and previous EC member
My father’s experiences as a conscientious objector during the First World War by Donald Saunders, CO