During World War 1, just as in other parts of the country, a significant minority of women and men in Bristol took part in a peace movement. They demanded the democratic control of foreign policy, a negotiated peace and a just, non-punitive settlement at the end of the conflict. They also joined with the wider labour movement to oppose conscription. The nature of this anti-war movement, its leadership and the alliances made varied from city to city. In Bristol it was socialists of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) who provided much of the energy and personnel for the campaign.
Bristol Radical History Group has recently published a pamphlet ‘Bristol Independent Labour Party – Men, Women & The Opposition To War‘ by June Hannam exploring the activities and ideas of the women and men of the ILP in Bristol, including Walter Ayles, Annie Townley and Mabel Tothill as they organised against the war. This fascinating pamphlet is essential reading for anyone interested in the history of World War 1 in Bristol.
For more information (including how to buy a copy) follow this link.