A matter of conscience: Quakers and conscription

Other responses to the war

It is worth noting that a substantial number of young Quaker men enlisted in the army and navy. Contrary to popular belief, they were not disowned for this; the Society respected individual conscience here too.

Quaker companies still operated during the war too. The government put in huge orders of chocolate to supply soldiers overseas. The Quaker-owned confectionery companies Cadbury's and Rowntree's made chocolate bars and cocoa for the armed forces and faced a tabloid backlash as their profits grew.

Like many Christian groups, Quakers struggled with their collective conscience during this period. The struggle would be even greater in World War II as many pacifists abandoned their nonviolent stance when faced with the atrocities committed by fascist regimes.

To find out more about the images in this exhibition and other World War I resources, contact the Library.