The White Feather Movement

The White Feather Movement was a British campaign during World War I where civilians, mainly women, gave white feathers to men not enlisted in the military as a symbol of shame for avoiding service. The movement aimed to pressure men to join the armed forces and boost enlistment rates. It reflected societal pressures and the era’s emphasis on patriotism. However, some men faced complex reasons for not serving, and the campaign also drew criticism for shaming and stigmatizing those not in uniform. Overall, it illustrated the intense societal drive to support the war effort.