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Loading... Conscience : two soldiers, two pacifists, one family : a test of will and faith in World War I (2011)by Louisa Thomas
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Norman Thomas and his brothers' upbringing prepared them for a life of service--but their calls to conscience threatened to tear them apart. Conscience is Louisa Thomas's account of the remarkable Thomas brothers in a time of trial, exploring the difficult decisions the four brothers faced with the advent of World War I. Sons of a Presbyterian minister and grandsons of missionaries, they shared a rigorous moral upbringing, a Princeton education, and a faith in the era's spirit of hope. Ralph enlisted right away, heeding President Wilson's call. Arthur, the youngest, was less certain about the righteousness of the cause but sensitive to his obligation as a citizen. Evan became a conscientious objector; when the truce was signed in 1918, he was in solitary confinement. Norman left his ministry in the tenements of East Harlem, New York, and began the course he would follow for the rest of his life, fighting for civil liberties and social justice, and against violence as a method of change.--From publisher description. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)940.3History and Geography Europe Europe World War I 1914-1918LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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This book provides a great deal of insight into the social issues and efforts by activists to change society. The descriptions of the treatment which the COs received publically, by the military establishment, and in confinement I found very enlightening and disturbing. Many of these facts probably never came to light during the period of WWI.
Also covered is the feeling in the United States regarding WWI and consideration into America's possible involvement. The war according to this work was not as popular as may be supposed. President Wilson is shown in the light of a Liberal, but also a politician seeking to achieve his agenda and also gain reelection;"looking the other way" when necessary.
Good book, well written; presents a different weave on the conditions in the US socially, politically and economically prior to and after the US entry into the war. Starts a bit slow outling some family hlistory and background for the Thomas family. Stay with it and you will be rewarded with an interesting read. ( )