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Total Categories: 6
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) is primarily an international organization with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
Answer: False
The Peace Pledge Union (PPU) is fundamentally a United Kingdom-based organization, not an international one headquartered in Geneva. Its primary operations and membership are rooted in the UK, though it engages with international peace movements.
PPU members commit to a pledge that renounces war and aims to work towards removing its causes.
Answer: True
The core commitment of PPU membership is a solemn pledge that explicitly renounces war as a means of resolving conflict and commits individuals to actively work towards eradicating the underlying causes of war.
The PPU was initiated by Bertrand Russell in 1934.
Answer: False
The Peace Pledge Union was initiated by Dick Sheppard, a canon at St Paul's Cathedral, in 1934. While Bertrand Russell was a prominent supporter, he was not the founder.
The PPU initially restricted membership to men to challenge the perception that peace activism was solely a female domain.
Answer: True
The initial pledge was exclusively for men as a strategic measure to counter the prevailing societal perception that pacifism was a movement primarily associated with women, thereby demonstrating broader, cross-gender commitment.
Women were officially allowed to join the Peace Pledge Union in 1940.
Answer: False
Women were officially permitted to join the Peace Pledge Union in 1936, not 1940, broadening the organization's inclusivity.
'Peace News' was adopted as the official weekly newspaper of the PPU in 1936.
Answer: True
Peace News became the official weekly publication of the Peace Pledge Union in 1936, serving as a vital communication channel for disseminating the organization's message and activities.
The No More War Movement merged with the PPU in 1937, with George Lansbury becoming its president.
Answer: True
In 1937, the No More War Movement formally amalgamated with the Peace Pledge Union. George Lansbury, who had led the No More War Movement, subsequently assumed the presidency of the PPU until his passing in 1940.
Who initiated the formation of the Peace Pledge Union (PPU) and when did this occur?
Answer: Dick Sheppard, 1934
The Peace Pledge Union was initiated by Dick Sheppard, a prominent figure in religious and pacifist circles, in 1934.
What was the primary purpose of the initial male-only pledge within the PPU?
Answer: To counter the perception that peace activism was exclusively female.
The initial pledge was intentionally restricted to men as a strategic maneuver to challenge the prevailing societal assumption that peace activism was predominantly a female endeavor, thereby demonstrating broader support.
How many men initially responded to Dick Sheppard's call to pledge against war?
Answer: Around 135,000
Dick Sheppard's public appeal, disseminated through newspapers, elicited an overwhelming response, with approximately 135,000 men sending postcards to pledge their commitment against war.
What significant event occurred in 1937 involving the PPU and the No More War Movement?
Answer: The No More War Movement merged with the PPU, with Lansbury becoming president.
In 1937, a pivotal organizational development occurred when the No More War Movement merged with the PPU, leading to George Lansbury assuming the presidency of the unified organization.
The PPU sponsored a house for Basque children fleeing the Spanish Civil War and encouraged members to sponsor Jewish refugees.
Answer: True
Demonstrating humanitarian commitment, the PPU provided support by sponsoring a residence for 64 Basque children displaced by the Spanish Civil War and actively encouraged its members to sponsor Jewish refugees escaping persecution.
In 1939, the PPU actively campaigned *in favor* of military conscription.
Answer: False
Contrary to supporting conscription, the Peace Pledge Union actively campaigned *against* military conscription in 1939, aligning with its core pacifist principles.
The PPU supported Neville Chamberlain's appeasement policy at the Munich Agreement in 1938.
Answer: True
At the Munich Agreement in 1938, the Peace Pledge Union, reflecting a common sentiment of the time, supported Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement, viewing Hitler's territorial claims as potentially justifiable.
During the Munich crisis, PPU sponsors proposed sending 5,000 pacifists to the Sudetenland as a non-violent presence.
Answer: True
In a notable proposal during the Munich crisis, several sponsors of the PPU suggested deploying 5,000 pacifists to the Sudetenland region as a non-violent intervention intended to de-escalate the escalating tensions.
The PPU initially advocated for immediate peace negotiations with Germany at the start of World War II.
Answer: True
At the outset of World War II, the Peace Pledge Union's initial stance was to advocate for immediate peace negotiations with Germany, reflecting its commitment to non-violent conflict resolution.
The PPU reached its peak membership of around 140,000 members in 1945.
Answer: False
The Peace Pledge Union achieved its peak membership in 1940, with approximately 140,000 members, not in 1945 when membership had begun to decline.
Six PPU activists prosecuted in May 1940 were ultimately imprisoned.
Answer: False
While six leading PPU activists were prosecuted in May 1940 for endeavoring to cause disaffection, they were convicted but ultimately not imprisoned.
Following the fall of France, support for the PPU increased significantly as people sought peace.
Answer: False
Contrary to an increase, support for the Peace Pledge Union experienced a significant decline following the fall of France in 1940, with some former members even enlisting in the armed forces.
From 1941 onwards, the PPU campaigned against the bombing of German civilians.
Answer: True
Commencing in 1941, the Peace Pledge Union actively campaigned against the practice of bombing German civilians, arguing that such actions constituted unnecessary slaughter and moral degradation.
How did the PPU assist victims of the Spanish Civil War?
Answer: By sponsoring a house for 64 Basque refugee children.
The PPU provided direct humanitarian aid during the Spanish Civil War by sponsoring a dedicated house for 64 Basque children who were refugees from the conflict.
What was the PPU's stance on military conscription in the lead-up to World War II?
Answer: They actively campaigned against it.
In the period preceding World War II, the Peace Pledge Union actively campaigned against the implementation of military conscription, adhering to its pacifist principles.
Which policy did the PPU back at the Munich Agreement in 1938?
Answer: Neville Chamberlain's appeasement policy.
At the Munich Agreement in 1938, the Peace Pledge Union endorsed Neville Chamberlain's policy of appeasement, viewing it as a potential means to avert conflict.
What was the PPU's initial stance on the outbreak of World War II?
Answer: They opposed the war and called for negotiated peace.
Upon the outbreak of World War II, the Peace Pledge Union's initial position was one of opposition to the conflict and a call for a negotiated peace settlement.
What legal charge was brought against six leading PPU activists in May 1940?
Answer: Endeavoring to cause disaffection among His Majesty's Service personnel.
In May 1940, six prominent activists from the PPU faced legal charges for allegedly endeavoring to cause disaffection among His Majesty's Service personnel, stemming from their anti-war advocacy.
What shift occurred in the PPU's focus after the fall of France?
Answer: They focused on supporting conscientious objectors and the Food Relief Campaign.
Following the fall of France, the PPU redirected its efforts to supporting British conscientious objectors and promoting the Food Relief Campaign, an initiative designed to provide sustenance to civilians in occupied Europe.
From 1941 onwards, what specific action did the PPU campaign against regarding the war?
Answer: The bombing of German civilians.
From 1941 onward, the Peace Pledge Union actively campaigned against the aerial bombing of German civilians, arguing that such actions constituted unnecessary slaughter and moral degradation.
Aldous Huxley and Siegfried Sassoon were among the early sponsors of the PPU.
Answer: True
Prominent literary figures Aldous Huxley and Siegfried Sassoon were indeed among the notable individuals who lent their support as early sponsors of the Peace Pledge Union.
The PPU primarily attracted members solely from Christian pacifist backgrounds.
Answer: False
While Christian pacifists were part of the PPU, the organization attracted a diverse membership that included socialists, anarchists, and individuals described as 'ordinary well-meaning peace-lovers,' indicating a broader ideological spectrum.
The PPU attracted members from a variety of backgrounds, including socialists and anarchists, but what other group did member Derek Savage describe?
Answer: Ordinary, well-meaning peace-lovers
Beyond socialists and anarchists, PPU member Derek Savage characterized a significant portion of the membership as comprising 'ordinary, well-meaning peace-lovers,' indicating a broad base of support.
What was the approximate number of subscribers to Vera Brittain's wartime newsletter, 'Letters to Peace Lovers'?
Answer: 2,000
Vera Brittain's wartime newsletter, 'Letters to Peace Lovers,' which critiqued the conduct of the war, garnered approximately 2,000 subscribers.
The PPU condemned the use of nuclear weapons against Japan in August 1945.
Answer: True
In August 1945, the Peace Pledge Union issued a strong condemnation of the use of nuclear weapons against Japan, questioning the moral implications of such destructive power.
The PPU prioritized campaigning for the abolition of conscription in 1947.
Answer: True
In 1947, the Peace Pledge Union designated the campaign for the abolition of conscription, legally termed National Service in the UK, as a primary organizational priority.
The white poppy appeal was initiated in 1933 by the Royal British Legion.
Answer: False
The white poppy appeal was initiated in 1933 by the Women's Co-operative Guild, not the Royal British Legion, which is associated with the red poppy.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher publicly supported the white poppy campaign in 1986.
Answer: False
In 1986, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher publicly expressed 'deep distaste' for the white poppy campaign, rather than supporting it.
The PPU's Northern Ireland branch campaigned for the withdrawal of the British army in the 1970s.
Answer: True
During the 1970s, the Peace Pledge Union's Northern Ireland branch actively campaigned for the withdrawal of the British army and advocated for the disbandment of paramilitary groups.
The PPU developed an educational CD-ROM about Martin Luther King Jr. in 2005, which was adopted by some schools.
Answer: True
In 2005, the Peace Pledge Union produced and distributed an educational CD-ROM focusing on the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., which was subsequently adopted for use in several educational institutions.
The PPU currently focuses on issues including peace education and commemorating World War One.
Answer: True
Contemporary efforts of the Peace Pledge Union include a focus on peace education, the commemoration of World War One, and addressing the perceived militarization of society.
The PPU booklet 'Plan of Campaign' suggested using which methods for achieving peace?
Answer: Non-cooperation, boycott, and sabotage.
The PPU booklet 'Plan of Campaign' advocated for methods of direct action, including non-cooperation, boycott, and sabotage, as strategies for achieving peace and making war impossible.
How did the PPU react to the use of nuclear weapons in August 1945?
Answer: They condemned the use of nuclear weapons and questioned the morality.
The PPU reacted to the atomic bombings of Japan in August 1945 by condemning the act and initiating a discourse on the moral implications of such weaponry.
In the 1950s, the PPU increasingly focused on principles inspired by which influential figure?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi
During the 1950s, the Peace Pledge Union's activities increasingly drew inspiration from the principles of nonviolent civil disobedience, particularly those espoused by Mahatma Gandhi.
The Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC), involved with the PPU, organized which significant event starting in 1958?
Answer: The first Aldermaston marches
The Direct Action Committee Against Nuclear War (DAC), which had significant PPU involvement, was instrumental in organizing the inaugural Aldermaston marches, commencing in 1958, to protest nuclear weapons.
Which organization did some PPU members move towards in the late 1950s/early 1960s, which was not exclusively pacifist?
Answer: The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND)
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, a segment of PPU members transitioned to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), an organization that, unlike the PPU, was not exclusively pacifist in its membership or focus.
What major international conflict did the PPU protest against starting in 1965 under Myrtle Solomon's leadership?
Answer: The US war in Vietnam
Under the leadership of Myrtle Solomon, the Peace Pledge Union initiated protests against the US war in Vietnam starting in 1965, distributing information to counter the war effort.
What was the symbolism of the white poppy, as distinct from the red poppy?
Answer: It represents a pledge to peace and remembrance of all victims of war.
The white poppy symbolizes a pledge to peace and serves as a memorial to all victims of war, encompassing both combatants and civilians, thereby distinguishing its message from the red poppy's specific commemoration.
How did Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's public reaction to white poppies affect the campaign?
Answer: It inadvertently increased the campaign's publicity and visibility.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's public expression of distaste for white poppies in 1986, while intended to discourage support, inadvertently amplified the campaign's publicity and visibility.
What was a key objective of the PPU's Northern Ireland branch in the 1970s?
Answer: To campaign for the withdrawal of the British army and disbandment of paramilitaries.
A principal objective of the PPU's Northern Ireland branch during the 1970s was to advocate for the withdrawal of the British army and the disbandment of both Republican and Loyalist paramilitary organizations.
The Peace Pledge Union is the French section of War Resisters' International.
Answer: False
The Peace Pledge Union serves as the British section of War Resisters' International, not the French section. This affiliation connects the PPU to a global network of pacifist organizations.
Which organization does the Peace Pledge Union serve as the British section of?
Answer: War Resisters' International
The Peace Pledge Union functions as the British section of War Resisters' International, an international organization dedicated to pacifism and nonviolent resistance to war.
Which of the following is listed under the 'See also' section related to the Peace Pledge Union?
Answer: List of anti-war organizations
The 'See also' section related to the Peace Pledge Union includes entries such as 'List of anti-war organizations,' providing further avenues for related study.
The controversial 'Pax Germanica' view, suggesting Germany absorb parts of Europe, became the official policy of the PPU.
Answer: False
The controversial viewpoint, often termed 'Pax Germanica,' which advocated for Germany's absorption of parts of Europe, was articulated by certain individuals associated with the PPU, such as John Middleton Murry, but it never constituted the official policy of the organization.
Rose Macaulay found the PPU's Peace News and the British Union of Fascists' journal indistinguishable in content.
Answer: True
The writer Rose Macaulay observed that the content of the PPU's publication, 'Peace News,' could sometimes be difficult to distinguish from that of the British Union of Fascists' journal, highlighting a controversial aspect of the PPU's editorial direction at the time.
MI5 monitored the PPU for potential communist infiltration during the late 1930s.
Answer: False
Intelligence services, specifically MI5, monitored the Peace Pledge Union not for communist infiltration, but due to concerns regarding potential 'small Fascist connections' and attempts by far-right groups to join the organization.
George Orwell accused the PPU of 'moral collapse' after Dick Sheppard's death, partly due to some members joining the British Union of Fascists.
Answer: True
Following the death of Dick Sheppard, George Orwell critically assessed the Peace Pledge Union, accusing it of experiencing a 'moral collapse,' a judgment influenced, in part, by the fact that some PPU members had joined the British Union of Fascists.
Historian Mark Gilbert described the PPU's Peace News as a consistent supporter of Nazi Germany.
Answer: True
The historian Mark Gilbert characterized the PPU's publication, 'Peace News,' as consistently acting as an apologist for Nazi Germany, reflecting one interpretation of the organization's stance during that era.
In 2017, the PPU was accused of being 'arch-appeasers' who supported German influence over the Low Countries.
Answer: True
In 2017, public commentary alleged that the PPU exhibited characteristics of 'arch-appeasers,' suggesting support for German influence over regions such as the Low Countries, an accusation that the PPU has contested.
George Orwell argued that, objectively, pacifists during WWII were pro-democratic forces.
Answer: False
George Orwell, in his analysis of pacifism during World War II, posited that, objectively, pacifists were inadvertently supporting Nazi Germany, rather than acting as pro-democratic forces.
What controversial idea did John Middleton Murry and his supporters propose regarding Germany's role in Europe?
Answer: Germany should be allowed to absorb parts of mainland Europe.
John Middleton Murry and his associates controversially suggested that Germany should be permitted to absorb territories within mainland Europe, a viewpoint that generated significant debate.
According to Rose Macaulay, what was sometimes difficult to distinguish between Peace News and fascist publications?
Answer: Their content
Rose Macaulay noted that the content of 'Peace News,' the PPU's publication, could occasionally be difficult to differentiate from that of fascist journals, indicating a perceived similarity in their messaging.
What was the nature of the concern that led MI5 to monitor the PPU?
Answer: Concerns about small Fascist connections.
The monitoring of the PPU by MI5 stemmed from concerns regarding potential 'small Fascist connections' within the organization, rather than communist infiltration.
How did George Orwell characterize the objective position of pacifists during World War II?
Answer: As inadvertently supporting Nazi Germany.
George Orwell argued that, from an objective standpoint, pacifists during World War II were inadvertently acting in support of Nazi Germany's objectives.
Which historian argued against labeling the PPU as pro-Nazi, emphasizing their dedication to peace, economic justice, and racial equality?
Answer: David C. Lukowitz
Historian David C. Lukowitz contended that the PPU should not be labeled as pro-Nazi, highlighting their fundamental commitment to peace, economic justice, and racial equality as primary motivations.