Liberty and Conscience: A Documentary History of the Experiences of Conscientious Objectors in America through the Civil War

Delve into the compelling and often overlooked history of conscientious objection in America with "Liberty and Conscience: A Documentary History of the Experiences of Conscientious Objectors in America through the Civil War." This groundbreaking volume, meticulously compiled by renowned historian Peter Brock, sheds light on the courageous individuals who, from the late 1650s to the close of the Civil War, refused military service based on deeply held moral and religious convictions. While the Vietnam War era brought conscientious objection to the forefront of public consciousness, this book reveals that the struggle to reconcile personal beliefs, pacifism, and the demands of national military service has been a long-standing tension in American history. Brock masterfully fills a significant gap in historical scholarship by examining the experiences of these early objectors, a period often overshadowed by narratives of patriotism and national unity. "Liberty and Conscience" offers a powerful and intimate glimpse into the lives of these dissenters through a carefully curated collection of primary source documents. Discover legal findings that defined the boundaries of conscientious objection, explore the records of church and meeting proceedings where communities grappled with the issue, and read impassioned appeals from nonconformists to government officials. Personal journals provide profoundly human accounts of the challenges, sacrifices, and unwavering convictions of those who chose conscience over conformity. This book goes beyond simply documenting the acts of refusal. It illuminates the motivations behind them, revealing the central role of religion in shaping American pacifism. Brock demonstrates that nearly all objectors during this period were driven by religious beliefs, with Quakers often leading the charge. The book also traces the evolution of the pacifist movement, showing how it broadened in the antebellum era to include nonsectarian figures like the prominent abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison, founder of the New England Non-Resistance Society. Through these diverse voices and perspectives, "Liberty and Conscience" paints a dramatic and nuanced portrait of early American pacifism. Readers will gain a deeper understanding not only of the objectors' beliefs and practices but also of the complex and often conflicting responses from authorities and the broader American public. Peter Brock's insightful commentary weaves together these disparate threads, providing historical context and a deeper understanding of the lasting legacy of conscientious objection in American society. This is essential reading for anyone interested in American history, religious studies, pacifism, or the ongoing struggle to balance individual liberties with the demands of national security. This first edition paperback offers a portable and accessible way to explore this crucial chapter in American history.