Remigiusz Kasprzycki

Pacifism and anti-militarism in Western Europe, 1918–1939

As the consequence of the events of 1914–1918, the pacifism was on the rise in Western Europe. Societies of England, France and Germany as well as other Western European countries, set themselves the goal of preventing another war from breaking out. International congresses and conventions were organized. They were attended by peace advocates representing various social and political views, which made cooperation difficult. These meetings did not prevent the Spanish Civil War, the aggression against Abyssinia and the outbreak of World War II. In addition to moderate pacifists, Western Europe was also home to radical anti-militarists who believed that way to the world peace led through the abolition of military service. The pacifists in Britain and France were satisfied with their politicians’ submissiveness and indecision toward Hitler during the 1930s. Pacifism and radical anti-militarism also fitted perfectly into the plans of the Comintern. With its help, the USSR weakened the military potential of Western Europe.

The Material Status of Women Veterans of the Polish Female Legion Soldiers’ Association in 1930s

From the first to the last day of the existence of the Association, one of its major challenges was to provide help for its impoverished members. Finding a job was a priority for the still active women. The Association also tried to help the veterans’ families, with varied success. What is not very comforting, similar problems were experienced by the other organizations belonging to the Federation of Polish Associations of Homeland Defenders (FPZOO). The unemployment and material worries also struck the veterans in other European countries as well as in the United States.