Rationalist Peace Society

ADMINISTRATIVE/BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY: The Rationalist Peace Society was founded in 1910 by Hypatia Bradlaugh Bonner and J.M.Robertson MP. The Society established itself during the period of increasing controversy about war preceding the First World War. The aim was to "protest against ideas and methods which are utterly opposed to reason and the interests of social progress." As the war progressed it was divided by the issue of conscientious objection and conscription - and as members began to feel the war was justified it dwindled until fading away after the war.

SCOPE AND CONTENT: 

• Minute book of the Society, containing correspondence drafts and circulars, 1910-1921
• Annual reports and financial statements of the Society, 1911-1914
• Circulars and ephemera, 1914-1917
• Account book of the Society, 1918-1921
• Press cuttings concerning, and articles by, Hypatia Bradlaugh Bonner, 1905-1917
• Copies of Rationalist Peace Quarterly, journal of the Rationalist Peace Society, 1912-1913

EXTENT: 1 box