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Conscientious Objectors/Anti-War Collection

 Collection
Identifier: SPC-2018-049

Scope and Contents

The Conscientious Objectors/Anti-War Collection (1942-1972; undated) contains material associated with conscientious objectors who were part of the Civilian Public Service (CPS); as well as documents generated mostly by pacifist organizations that promoted peace and were against war and conscription. Series I: Conscientious Objectors contains letters, memorandums, newsletters, bulletins, and other documents related to conscientious objectors and various objectors' related causes including material regarding those who were part of the CPS, in non-combatant roles during World War Two; and a part of 1-W Service during the Korean War era. Also included in this series is material related to the resistance of the Selective Service Act of 1967. Series II: Anti-War/Peace Movement contains reprints, speeches, mailers, newsletters, and other documents generated mostly by pacifist organizations whose missions were to prevent the outbreak of war, and advance world peace such as: National Council for Prevention of War (NCPW), American Friends Service Committee, National Council Against Conscription, War Resisters League, and Friends Committee on National Legislation. Also included in this series are documents regarding anti-conscription; texts for three Dwight Eisenhower speeches; a document entitled "The Way Out" by Fenner Brockway"; and material promoting peace.

Dates

  • 1934-1954; undated

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Biographical / Historical

By definition from the Selective Service System "a conscientious objector is one who is opposed to serving in the armed forces and/or bearing arms on the grounds of moral or religious principles". During World War Two and the Korean War, conscientious objectors were assigned to non-combatant roles or as laborers in Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps in lieu of conscription or military service.

Extent

2 boxes

.42 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection contains material associated with conscientious objectors who were part of the Civilian Public Service (CPS) as well as in non-combatant roles during World War Two; and part of 1-W Service during the Korean War, as well as material related to the Selective Service Act of 1967.Also included are materials generated by pacifist organizations that promoted peace, and were against war and conscription.

Title
Inventory of the Conscientious Objectors/Anti-War Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Karen Clemons
Date
2019-11; updated 2022-10
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2023-07: "Utah Peace and Freedom Party"; and "Selective Service System, resistors" folders removed from collection and moved to GI Underground Press/Anti-War (Vietnam War Era)

Repository Details

Part of the California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson CA 90747
310-243-3895