1914-1919: Imperial War to Class War; Institute of Historical Research
25th January 2014, from Midday in the Woburn Suite, IHR, Senate House, Malet St WC1
2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War. Already well over one hundred books on the subject have been published. A voice that is largely absent however is that of the left. Of those who opposed the war, went on strike during it, and deserted from the army during the course of it. The labour movement internationally supported the First World War but a minority across a range of viewpoints from Keir Hardie to Lenin refused to go along with their Governments’ warmongering.
The war was to lead to death on an industrial scale and eventually revolution in Russia and Germany. The Coalition Government plans to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war but not celebrate it as a victory. Many on the right however are demanding that it should be celebrated as such.
This conference will seek to take an alternative look at a range of aspects of World War One from those who opposed it, to the workers movements which developed during it and after it and the harsh and deathly realities of the ‘war to end all wars’
Speakers include:
Ian Birchall
Neil Faulkner
George Paizis
Megan Trudell
Terry Ward
Registration in advance is encouraged. Please mail conference organiser Keith Flett
The conference is free but small donations towards the cost of organising the event will be appreciated.
Find out more on the website here.