Friends of Alice Wheeldon: The Anti-War Activist Accused of Plotting to Kill Lloyd George

Dive into a gripping historical drama with Sheila Rowbotham's "Friends of Alice Wheeldon: The Anti-War Activist Accused of Plotting to Kill Lloyd George," a meticulously researched and powerfully written play that resurrects a controversial episode from the tumultuous years of World War I. This 2nd Revised Edition, published in 2015 by Pluto Press, offers a chilling exploration of injustice and political intrigue. At the heart of the play lies the story of Alice Wheeldon, a suffragist and socialist whose anti-war activism made her a target of the British establishment. Rowbotham masterfully recreates the atmosphere of paranoia and suspicion that gripped the nation during the war, a climate ripe for the fabrication of treason. The play vividly re-enacts Wheeldon's 1917 trial, a spectacle fueled by flimsy evidence and the testimony of a mentally unstable informant known as 'Alex Gordon.' Accused of plotting to assassinate Prime Minister Lloyd George, Wheeldon found herself caught in a web of political machinations that threatened to destroy her life and reputation. Rowbotham, a renowned feminist historian and socialist writer, brings her expertise to bear in this compelling dramatization. The play isn't just a retelling of historical events; it's a profound examination of the intersection of gender, class, and political dissent in a time of national crisis. Through sharp dialogue and evocative staging, Rowbotham exposes the fragility of justice when confronted with wartime hysteria and the government's desire to silence opposition. This edition is significantly enhanced by Rowbotham's extended essay, "Rebel Networks in the First World War," which provides crucial context for understanding Wheeldon's activism and the broader landscape of anti-war movements in Britain. The essay illuminates the vibrant network of socialists, pacifists, and feminists who challenged the war effort, often facing persecution and censorship. Furthermore, this revised edition serves as an invaluable resource, directing readers to subsequent research and ongoing efforts to exonerate Alice Wheeldon fully, highlighting the enduring relevance of her story and the fight for justice. "Friends of Alice Wheeldon" is more than just a historical play; it's a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting civil liberties, even in times of conflict. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked government power and the ease with which dissent can be suppressed. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in women's history, the history of socialism, the anti-war movement, or the complexities of justice during wartime. Dive into this thought-provoking drama and discover the truth behind one of Britain's most controversial trials.