A conscientious objector (CO) is an "individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service" on the grounds of freedom of thought, conscience, and/or religion.
OVERVIEW
World War One was declared by New Zealand on August 4th 1914, and ended four years later on November 11th 1918. After demonstrating loyalty during the Boer War in the 1890's, New Zealand developed strong ties to Great Britain, which led ultimately to the introduction of compulsory military training (CMT) in 1909 for all men over the age of 11. Around 100,000 New Zealander's served overseas during World War One because as a nation, New Zealand took a full part in the war. The New Zealand government imposed conscription on its men to force them to serve their country. However, there were a number of conscientious objectors otherwise known as defiant shirkers. These people opposed the war for political, religious or moral reasons, generating significant unrest among the community. Objectors were punished with fines, imprisonment and scrutiny from their own communities. More punitive measures were enforced by Sir James Allen, where objectors were dealt with a firm hand. Fourteen men were sent to the Western Front in France, where they were punished with the aim to break their will and get them to submit. Two key figures include Archibald Baxter and Mark Briggs, who firmly held their ideals. The roots of conscientious objection lie in the CMT legislation. It was opposed by religious leaders, socialists, and pacifist groups, who claimed that the legislation would lead to the militarisation of the nation’s youth, and that the war could be resolved through peaceful means.
World War One was declared by New Zealand on August 4th 1914, and ended four years later on November 11th 1918. After demonstrating loyalty during the Boer War in the 1890's, New Zealand developed strong ties to Great Britain, which led ultimately to the introduction of compulsory military training (CMT) in 1909 for all men over the age of 11. Around 100,000 New Zealander's served overseas during World War One because as a nation, New Zealand took a full part in the war. The New Zealand government imposed conscription on its men to force them to serve their country. However, there were a number of conscientious objectors otherwise known as defiant shirkers. These people opposed the war for political, religious or moral reasons, generating significant unrest among the community. Objectors were punished with fines, imprisonment and scrutiny from their own communities. More punitive measures were enforced by Sir James Allen, where objectors were dealt with a firm hand. Fourteen men were sent to the Western Front in France, where they were punished with the aim to break their will and get them to submit. Two key figures include Archibald Baxter and Mark Briggs, who firmly held their ideals. The roots of conscientious objection lie in the CMT legislation. It was opposed by religious leaders, socialists, and pacifist groups, who claimed that the legislation would lead to the militarisation of the nation’s youth, and that the war could be resolved through peaceful means.