Women Against the Good War: Conscientious Objection and Gender on the American Home Front, 1941-1947

Goossen, Rachel Waltner

ISBN 10: 0807846724 / ISBN 13: 9780807846728

Published by University of North Carolina Press, 1997

Former library book; Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0807846724I3N10

Synopsis:

During World War II, more than 12,000 male conscientious objectors seeking alternatives to military service entered Civilian Public Service to do forestry, soil conservation, or other 'work of national importance.' But this government-sponsored, church-supported program also attracted some 2,000 women--most of whom were part of Mennonite, Amish, Brethren, or Quaker families with deeply held antiwar beliefs--to 151 alternative service locations across the country. Rachel Waltner Goossen tells the story of these women against the 'good war,' women who identified themselves as conscientious objectors. Despite cultural hostility and discriminatory federal policies, they sought to demonstrate their humanitarian convictions by taking part in Civilian Public Service work. Based on little-known archival sources as well as oral history interviews and questionnaire responses, Goossen's study reveals the extent to which these women's religious and philosophical beliefs placed them on the margins of American society. Encouraged by religious traditions that prized nonconformity, these women made unusual choices, questioned government dictums, and defied societal expectations, all of which set them apart from the millions of Americans who supported the war effort.

About the Author: Rachel Waltner Goossen teaches history at Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Women Against the Good War: Conscientious ...
Publisher: University of North Carolina Press
Publication Date: 1997
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket