Patriotism under surveillance

In 1914, the patriotic impetus and the sacred Union seemed to have brushed aside antimilitarist and pacifist disagreements. General mobilisation was welcomed with a certain enthusiasm. However, the authorities’ surveillance continued unabated. The hunt for birds of ill omen and deserters was declared open. Many charges were brought during the first days of the war. Military tribunals heard these cases as the state of siege declared on August 4, 1914 meant that they were competent to judge crimes and offences committed against the security of the Republic, order and public peace. Their competence was retroactive and was even extended to non-military individuals. Noncompliance with the law pertaining to recruitment, contempt, encouraging desertion, insulting the army and abandonment of post were all charges that could, in some cases, lead to hefty penalties.