WWI and the growth of the pacifist movement in Europe: looking back 100 years to understand the present we face and build the future we yearn
World War I changed the course of the history for ever, and marked the start of the 20th century in many ways. One of its main consequences was the growth of nationalism and violent contraposition between the European countries. But at the same time, some thinkers and visionaries dreamed about a unified Europe.
Today Europe is mired in a deep crisis. Citizens no longer trust the European project, and quick solutions for the social and economic problems are sought without success. It’s in this context that remembrance became inspiration for our future. And it’s in this context too, that the project “Memory beyond Rhetoric, the WWI and the growth of the pacifist movement in Europe” wants to raise awareness about and remembrance of WWI, and promote a mature idea of peace, anti-militarism and non-violence. At the same time SCI will deepen the link between WWI and the origins of the organisation, which arose (indeed) from those who dream a peaceful Europe. Or as a slogan in one of the activities of the project says: Paths which once separated us, shall unite us today.
Objectives
Starting from a deep reflection on WWI and its catastrophic effects, developed in crucial locations connected to the war itself, SCI remembrance project aims at:
- promoting peace, anti-militarism and non-violence
- encouraging active participation at European Level
- contributing to citizens’ understanding of the Union, its history and diversity
Its main purpose is to endow citizens with significance knowledge about that part of our history, exploring the links between WWI and the creation of bodies that would avoid such a tragedy to happen again.
The project reflects on the importance of memory but also on how memory is built and transmitted, trying to deconstruct the myth of the sacrifice of soldier-hero and bringing the idea of war back to where it belongs: mass-destruction and eruption of violence.
Activities
The combination of practical and theoretical work carried on in a wide and open European environment, also in key places connected with WWI, fosters intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, establishing a common ground for looking at the future of Europe.
- 21-28/05/2015 Training for Multipliers – which took place in Folgaria, North of Italy (along the front of WWI)
- 16-19/10/2014 Preparation activity – Lozen, Bulgaria
- 14-24/07/2015 Bilateral Study Camp (IT-AUT) – Open Air Museum of WWI, on the Kleiner Pal (Plöcken Pass)
- 17-29/07/2015 Multilateral Study Camp – Berlin, Germany
- 23-30/08/2015 Multilateral Study Camp – Ypres, Poperinge, Mesen & battlefields in Flanders, Belgium
- 11-14/11/2015 International Seminar – Verdun, France
- 19-21/02/2016 Final Visibility Events – Barcelona, Spain
More information
Contact us if you are looking for more information about this project or you are intested in taking part in any activity: communication@sciint.org
Link to Remembrance Project Chart (EU website)
SCI International Archives (photos and materials)
Memoric twitter account: twitter.com/SciMemoric
