Constructing Peace: Conscientious Objectors and the Boundaries of State Power in in East Germany in the 1960s

• In Event: Religious Resistance to Communist Authority from De-Stalinization to Glasnost and Perestroika

Abstract

In 1964, conscientious objectors in East Germany had the new option of serving in unarmed military units. They held the rank of construction soldiers (Bausoldaten), a reference to the various construction tasks that they performed for the military. This paper summarizes the arguments of my new book, which explores the nonconformity of Bausoldaten who served in these first units in the 1960s. In creating these new units, East Germany had recognized religious belief as a legal basis for being a conscientious objector. Yet, many of the Bausoldaten continued to challenge the nature of their service by refusing to take the military service vow or work on projects with a direct military orientation. The Protestant Church supported many of their efforts and helped former Bausoldaten pass on their strategies with subsequent cohorts of conscientious objectors pursuing this option.

Author

• David Doellinger, Western Oregon U