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Start Over Subject Conscientious Objectors -- United States -- History -- Sources

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Civilian Public Service Union Records, 1944-1946 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.5 linear ft. (3.5 linear ft.)
Abstract:
The Civilian Public Service Union was organized at the beginning of 1944 in the CPS camp at Big Flats, New York. Men at other camps and units quickly joined the group. CPSU, a union for "drafted workers conscientiously opposed to war," was formed to provide an organized means of communication and group action among men in all sections of CPS and to combat the waste and injustice of the CPS system itself. Ralph C. Rudd served as chairman from late 1944 until CPSU was dissolved in early 1946.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors Records, 1948-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:
90 linear ft. (90 linear feet.)
Abstract:
CCCO developed a nationwide network of military and draft counselors and attorneys to assist conscientious objectors. Most active during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the CCCO promoted such issues as amnesty, repatriation, and counter-recruitment.Operations were suspended in late October 2009. As of 2010, some of their counseling service has been taken over by the GI Rights Hotline.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Civilian Public Service Personal Papers and Collected Materials, 1939- (inclusive)

Extent:
14 linear ft. (14 linear ft.)
Abstract:
Chiefly the personal papers of conscientious objectors assigned to Civilian Public Service (CPS) camps during World War II, such as correspondence, writings, memoirs, and reference material about CPS. Also included are records of or about various CPS camps and projects.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Bent Andresen Collected Papers, 1928-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.04 linear ft. (.5 linear in.)
Abstract:
Bent Andresen registered as a conscientious objector (CO) during World War Two and was sent to a Civilian Public Service in 1944. Andresen participated in a guinea pig project in which he and several other COs lived in a refrigerated room for three months to test the impact of a high-protein diet on cold-weather conditions. He went AWOL in 1945 and was sentenced to two years in prison. Andreson was involved in various peace and justice groups throughout his lifetime.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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Committee for Amnesty for All Objectors to War and Conscription Collected Records, 1945-1948 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.83 linear ft. (10 linear in.)
Abstract:
On January 12, 1946, the Committee for Amnesty for All Objectors to War and Conscription was established to seek an amnesty for "all objectors to war and conscription," which included men under army court-martial for their stance against war. The Committee's most widely publicized work was the sponsorship of picketing demonstrations at the White House in May and December 1946 calling for amnesty, but the organization also promoted its objectives through lobbying of Congressional and other government leaders, creating press releases and published literature, garnering support with signatures to petitions from around the country, and working as a liaison to other groups interested in the amnesty question. It is unknown exactly when the Committee disbanded, but the last meeting minutes are dated June 30, 1948.

Held at: Swarthmore College Peace Collection [Contact Us]

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