Constructing peace conscientious objectors and the boundaries of state power in East Germany in the 1960s David Doellinger

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Doellinger, David, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conscientious objectors--Germany (East)--History.

Conscientious objectors.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

illustration

Place of Publication:

Central European University Press, 2026.

[Place of publication not identified] Central European University Press [2026]

System Details:

digital

Summary:

In 1964, East Germany introduced an alternative, unarmed military service that recognized religious belief as a basis for conscientious objection. In a new category of military unit, pacifists performed construction tasks. While accepting a compromise to wear a military uniform, many construction soldiers (Bausoldaten) refused to conform to the military's expectations. Some refused to take the service vow and to work on projects with a direct military orientation. They established the principle that there was more to Bausoldat service than simply getting through the eighteen months of wearing a uniform. As civilians, they continued their advocacy by forming networks and local peace groups that became the foundation of a broader social movement committed to peace. Drawing on oral history interviews, Party-State files, military and secret police documents, and church records, Constructing Peace focuses on the development of this activism amongst the first two cohorts of Bausoldaten in the mid-1960s

Contents:

List of Photos Acknowledgements Abbreviations Introduction 1. The Church's Response to Obligatory Military Service 2. Conscientious Objectors Refuse to Serve in the Military 3. Making an Alternative Service for Conscientious Objectors 4. The First Bausoldaten Begin their Service (and Refuse to Take the Vow) 5. Navigating the New World of Alternative Service as Bausoldaten 6. Refusing Work Projects 7. Pastoral Care for Military Conscripts 8. Activism as Former Bausoldaten 9. The Second Cohort of Bausoldaten: New Arguments for Old Problems Conclusion Bibliography Index

Notes:

Vendor-supplied metadata

Other Format:

Print version:

ISBN:

9781042009350

104200935X

9789048576937

9048576938

9048576946

9789048576944

OCLC:

1592929209

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license