WHAT were the real causes of the First World War?

That will be the question being debated at a special 'day school' in York being organised by York Against The War.

The traditional view is that the countless young men who gave their lives died in defence of liberty and freedom of speech, says Steve Cox, a tutor in middle eastern history with the Workers' Educational Association who will be one of the speakers at a First World War 'Day School' in York on November 1.

"But it was never about Germany occupying Britain," he said.

"It was about the acquisition of empire - or protecting what we had already acquired. It was unnecessary and a waste of life."

None of which is to belittle the sacrifice made by millions of young men, Mr Cox said. If anything, we owe it to their memory to discuss the real causes of the war in which so many gave their lives 100 years ago.

Many young men went off to war from York: many did not return.

The names of those who died are recorded in the King's Book of York Heroes held in York Minster.

But in York, with its Quaker tradition, there was also a strong anti-war movement in 1914 - with many quite prominent conscientious objectors.

One of their key advocates was none other than Arnold Rowntree, the city's Liberal MP, who became a founder member of the Union of Democratic Control, which championed the cause of young men who refused to fight on grounds of conscience.

Next Saturday's (November 1) 'day school' will see a string of academics and historians talking on almost every aspect of the war.

English lecturer Owen Clayton will give a critical assessment of the war poets; local folk singer Paul Davies will perform some trench songs; and Lindsey German, co-founder of the Stop The War Coalition, will talk about suffragettes and the war.

But there will also be several talks taking a revisionist look at the war and its causes. Retired lecturer Cyril Pearce will discuss the anti-war movement in 1914; Chris Fuller of York Against The War will talk about industrial unrest and the Labour movement at the outbreak of the war; and John Rees, co-founder of Stop The War, will talk about 'Imperialism and the causes of World War One."

The aim is not to give offence, said Steve Cox: but to have a full and open debate.

Everyone is welcome, he stressed. "This is not an academic conference. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions, to participate in discussion - and to argue!"

* York First World War Day School, Priory Street Centre, York, Saturday November 1 from 10am to 4.45pm.

Tickets £4 or £7 on the door, depending on income. All welcome.