World War One (jul 28, 1914 – nov 11, 1918)

Description:

This was the first global war, centered in Europe. It was triggered by Gavrilo Princip assassinating the heir to the throne of Austro-Hungarian Empire, Archduke Franz Ferdinand. Alliances formed and the war killed millions, ending with the Treaty of Versailles.

In 1916, conscription was introduced under the Military Service Act. Men aged 18-41 had to join the army. However, around 15000 refused to join because they were conscientious objectors (COs). They refused to fight for religious or moral reasons.

Some COs in WWI did other work for military hospitals.

Those who refused to take part completely (about 1000):
- were put on trial and sent to prison if they still refused to fight
- had their right to vote taken away
- were hated by the public (the White Feather movement shamed COs because women would give men without uniforms white feathers int he street)
- were mistreated in prison (71 died)

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