This work investigates the historical evolution and legal status of conscientious objection in the United States, specifically focusing on the period leading up to and including the American Civil War. Peter Brock, a recognized scholar in the history of pacifism, compiles a comprehensive collection of primary source documents to illustrate how individuals navigated the tension between state-mandated military service and personal or religious convictions. The text provides a rigorous framework for understanding the early development of American policies regarding non-combatants and the societal pressures faced by those who refused to bear arms.

Historians and researchers frequently cite this volume as a foundational reference for understanding the roots of American pacifism. The text is noted for its academic rigor and its reliance on archival materials to provide a balanced view of the challenges faced by conscientious objectors.