British Authors' Manifesto Supporting War
Poets involved
What happened
On September 18, 1914, 53 prominent British authors signed a manifesto supporting Britain's entry into World War I. This declaration reflected the cultural and political climate of the time, as many believed in the necessity of the war effort. The manifesto underscored the role of literature and intellectuals in shaping public opinion and national identity during times of conflict.
Literary impact
The British Authors' Manifesto supporting war in 1914 mobilized the literary community for propaganda, setting the stage for later anti-war poetic backlash. Poets like Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon emerged, critiquing the romanticism of war through their poignant verses.
Source: Wikipedia