Addams pronounces her opposition to the war, suffers public condemnation and self-doubt

Addams delivers a speech, “Pacifism and Patriotism in Time of War," in May, in Chicago, before the Chicago City Club, and again in Evanston (on June 10), at the First Congregational Church (1445 Hinman Avenue). She receives fierce criticism in the press and in letters and is called a traitor to her country. Hull House loses major donors. "Any spoken or written word," wrote a businessman in a letter to a Chicago newspaper, "that lessens the strength of the arm of the Government is a disloyal act" (Quoted in Levin, 221). The negative response to Addams opposition to the war - and especially the United States blockading the delivery of food to the people of belligerent nations - amounted to a repudiation of Addams' pacifism and the progressive causes she held dear. Public criticism of her, as well as the knowledge that she was under surveillance by the Department of Justice, compels Addams to recalibrate her peace advocacy. "I am obliged to walk very softly in regard to all things suspect," she writes a colleague (Quoted in Davis, 247).

1917-05-01

Addams, Jane. “Patriotism and Pacifists in War Time.” The City Club Bulletin X.9 (1917): 184-90. Hathi Trust Digital Library. Web. 14 June 2017.