United States, World War II, Women in History, Women's Studies, Military, Gender Studies 

Gender and American Culture 

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. 

Softcover. Good condition.

940.53
Biography and History > Europe > Europe > 1918-1945 > World War II

D810 .C82
World History and History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.:World War II (1939-1945)

Women › United States › History › 20th century
World War, 1939-1945 › Conscientious objectors › United States
World War, 1939-1945 › Moral and ethical aspects
World War, 1939-1945 › Women › United States