Not all Americans supported the United States' entrance into World War I. Based in Philadelphia, members of the Religious Society of Friends, better known as Quakers, founded an organization to serve the world peacefully during World War I. The organization called the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) was created as a place for conscientious objectors as an alternative to military service. The actions of the AFSC offer an interesting perspective from which we can #explore1918 and learn about #humanitarians
Where did they work?
The AFSC worked in areas of Europe that were heavily impacted by the war. These Philadelphia Quakers traveled to France and Russia to distribute clothes and food in areas of famine. Russia was in the midst of the fallout of the Russian Revolution and the new Soviet Union was challenged by famine and post-war poverty.
How did they work?
Because the Quakers were known world-wide as pacifists, they were able to gain access to countries like the Soviet Union at a time when Americans were generally not allowed to enter. The AFSC cooperated with local authorities, other international organizations like the Red Cross, and other pacifist groups like the Mennonites and Brethren. The AFSC additionally sent representatives from Philadelphia to work in areas like Buzuluk, Soviet Union and Nancy, France.
Why does it matter?
The American Friends Service Committee was one of the first international aid organizations. It quickly gained a reputation for the work that it did abroad and gained status as an important global link. After World War I, the AFSC continued to work in Europe, especially in post-war Germany, the Spanish Civil War, and through World War II. In 1947 the AFSC was awarded to the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of humanitarian work. Today, the AFSC star logo is well-recognized world-wide and visible in countries from North Korea to Haiti.
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