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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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conscientious objectors
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Historically many groups have espoused pacifism, but only *conscription brings them into direct conflict with the state. The first occurrence of this in Britain was in *World War I. It resulted in much injustice from inadequate methods for identifying genuine cases of conscience; and the public war hysteria found in the 'conchies' a perfect target. The most effective solution was that of the Friends Ambulance Unit, established by pacifist *Quakers, through which many conscientious objectors provided first aid on the battlefield. By World War II the position of conscientious objectors was better understood and methods were in place for them to be properly identified.
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