'Peace Angel' of World War I by Hilary N Summy
By Hilary N Summy
'Whatever the social pressures, there would be no compromise with militarism'
Margaret Thorp
The book focuses on the early life of Margaret Thorp and her involvement in the Australian peace movement during World War I. As a Quaker dedicated to Christian pacifism and Christian socialism, she played a prominent role—even a charismatic one—in coordinating diverse groups on the issue of anti-conscription. Her influence leading up to the 1916 conscription referendum in the state of Queensland was particularly significant and arguably extended into the other eastern states, especially among women voters.
Anti-conscription sentiment was very strong in Queensland because of the dominant position within the labour movement of the Australian Workers’ Union which was emphatically opposed to conscription. This position was strengthened by a strong alliance between Catholics and the Labor Party. Pro-conscription support by the politically conservative segments of Queensland society was equally trenchant so that intense and often bitter confrontations occurred, sometimes leading to physical violence.
Thorp had the unique ability to relate to people who held very different social and political views. Her empathy and listening skills, as well as her dynamic public speaking, enabled her to reach out to others and create positive relations. At the same time her great passion for peace and justice gave her the courage to stand against the tide of popular opinion.
Publisher: Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Price: $25.00 incl. GST
ISBN: 0-9775062-0-7
To order a copy of the book please click here to download the order form.
'Whatever the social pressures, there would be no compromise with militarism'
Margaret Thorp
The book focuses on the early life of Margaret Thorp and her involvement in the Australian peace movement during World War I. As a Quaker dedicated to Christian pacifism and Christian socialism, she played a prominent role—even a charismatic one—in coordinating diverse groups on the issue of anti-conscription. Her influence leading up to the 1916 conscription referendum in the state of Queensland was particularly significant and arguably extended into the other eastern states, especially among women voters.
Anti-conscription sentiment was very strong in Queensland because of the dominant position within the labour movement of the Australian Workers’ Union which was emphatically opposed to conscription. This position was strengthened by a strong alliance between Catholics and the Labor Party. Pro-conscription support by the politically conservative segments of Queensland society was equally trenchant so that intense and often bitter confrontations occurred, sometimes leading to physical violence.
Thorp had the unique ability to relate to people who held very different social and political views. Her empathy and listening skills, as well as her dynamic public speaking, enabled her to reach out to others and create positive relations. At the same time her great passion for peace and justice gave her the courage to stand against the tide of popular opinion.
Publisher: Australian Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
Price: $25.00 incl. GST
ISBN: 0-9775062-0-7
To order a copy of the book please click here to download the order form.
