The official accounts and commemorations of the anniversary of World War One mask the real social history of the period. This conference is a chance for us to educate ourselves about the protests, strikes, mutinies and revolutions that preceded, provoked and, eventually, ended the war. We will also discuss how best to oppose both the official commemorations and future wars. Please bring food to share if you can.

11.30am (for 12 noon start) - 1pm
WORLD WAR ONE AND ITS RELEVANCE TODAY
Why did the war start: Imperialism? The reassertion of masculinity? An attempt to forestall European revolution?
Why did so many support the war?
Did World War One ever really end? Why does capitalism need war?

1.30-3pm
WOMEN’S PROTESTS, MUTINIES AND REVOLUTIONS
Why were the first mass protests of the war started by women?
Did politicians keep the war going to prevent the Russian Revolution from spreading?
Did mutinies in the Russian, French and German armies end the war? What about the rebellions in the British army?

3.15-4.15pm
UKRAINE, PUTIN AND WAR IN EUROPE TODAY?
Was the Maidan Square uprising a revolution - or a fascist coup?
Should we take sides between Putin and the West?
Will the Ukrainian crisis lead to another European conflict?

4.30-6pm
COUNTERING CAMERON’S COMMEMORATIONS
Why is Cameron so keen to celebrate World War One?
How do we celebrate the mutinies and revolutions of the period instead?
How do we counter the official commemorations without disrespecting the dead?

We hope to have ‘Real WW1’ meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month at No. 88 Fleet Street.

Please see therealww1.wordpress.com for information about future meetings and events.