England's Holy War

"England's Holy War" is a profound critique of the intellectual and psychological shift within the British Liberal party and press during the onset and progression of World War I. Written by the noted pacifist and literary scholar Irene Cooper Willis, the work meticulously examines how a political faction initially committed to peace and neutralism eventually embraced the conflict, re-characterizing it as a moral and "holy" crusade for democracy and civilization.

Through a sharp analysis of contemporary journalism and the writings of influential liberal thinkers, Willis exposes the rhetoric used to reconcile liberal ideals with the brutal realities of total war. The book serves as both a historical document of the Great War era and a timeless study of political propaganda and ideological transformation. It explores the power of the press to shape public sentiment and the ease with which humanitarian principles can be co-opted for military purposes. Willis's account remains a vital resource for understanding the complexities of British public opinion and the disillusionment that followed the war. It is an essential read for those interested in the history of pacifism, media studies, and the political landscape of early 20th-century Britain.

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