First World War George Bernard Shaw

shaw: common sense war (1914).

after first world war began in august 1914, shaw produced tract common sense war, argued warring nations equally culpable. such view anathema in atmosphere of fervent patriotism, , offended many of shaw s friends; ervine records [h]is appearance @ public function caused instant departure of many of present.

despite errant reputation, shaw s propagandist skills recognised british authorities, , in 1917 invited field marshal haig visit western front battlefields. shaw s 10,000-word report, emphasised human aspects of soldier s life, received, , became less of lone voice. in april 1917 joined national consensus in welcoming america s entry war: first class moral asset common cause against junkerism .

three short plays shaw premiered during war. inca of perusalem, written in 1915, encountered problems censor burlesquing not enemy british military command; performed in 1916 @ birmingham repertory theatre. o flaherty v.c., satirising government s attitude irish recruits, banned in uk , presented @ royal flying corps base in belgium in 1917. augustus bit, genial farce, granted licence; opened @ royal court in january 1917.