This is a chance to explore stories of people who are often overlooked – and who some would rather forget. We will explore opposition and resistance to World War One, from conscientious objectors who refused to fight to women peace activists who held an international peace congress in the Netherlands, from religious groups that split over the war to soldiers who mutinied. We will focus on Britain, although international comparisons and influences will also be mentioned. We will look at primary sources such as the letters and diaries of those involved, asking what motivated them and what they achieved. This course is open to you whatever your knowledge of World War One and whatever your views on issues of war and peace
Course aim
To provide an exploration of a much overlooked aspect of World War One: the varied people and movements who opposed the war, refused to fight, resisted the government and campaigned for peace. Why did they do this and what did they achieve?
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is open to you whatever your knowledge of World War One and whatever your views on issues of war and peace
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Summarise key facts about anti-war movements in Britain during World War One.
- Speak in more detail about at least one aspect of anti-war movements in Britain in World War One, making an argument for or against the idea that it had a significant effect.
- Compare different anti-war movements and actions in World War One, commenting on their similarities and differences.
- Discuss differing views on why anti-war movements in World War One are not better known today.
What else do I need to know?
You might find it helpful to have a notebook and pen to hand, but this is not essential.
View full course information sheet
Unarmed and Dangerous: British Peace Campaigners in the First World War
