With God on their Side: William Booth, The Salvation Army and Skeleton Army Riots

The Salvation Army faced violent riots led by the Skeleton Army in the 1880s and 1890s, causing destruction and injury. James Gardner's book "With God on Their Side" explores the spread of violence in the context of late-Victorian England, examining the motives and actions of both groups and the subsequent shift in the Salvation Army's focus towards social welfare, transforming William Booth from a vilified man to its saint.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

The Salvation Army, a revered organization today, has a history that includes a tumultuous period during the late 1880s and early 1890s. Led by the charismatic William Booth, the Salvation Army embarked on an evangelical crusade that stirred strong emotions and sparked violent riots. These riots, orchestrated by an opposition group known as the Skeleton Army, caused widespread destruction to property, resulted in numerous injuries, and tragically claimed lives. The Skeleton Army's mission was to expel Salvationists from their towns, spreading their influence across the South and West of England. Surprisingly, it was often the peaceful parades of Salvationists that were met with imprisonment, rather than the violent perpetrators. In his book "With God on Their Side," James Gardner delves into the spread of violence within the context of popular conservatism in late-Victorian England. Through meticulous research and detailed analysis of specific towns, Gardner weaves a rich tapestry of historical narrative that will captivate scholars and enthusiasts alike. The book explores the motives and actions of both the Salvation Army and the Skeleton Army, shedding light on the complex dynamics of the time. It also examines the subsequent shift in the Salvation Army's focus towards social welfare, which played a pivotal role in its growth and transformation. This shift enabled the organization to evolve into the cherished charity it is today, and helped transform William Booth from one of the most vilified men of the nineteenth century into a revered figure. The Salvation Army's legacy is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and social change, and its continued impact on the world is a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780718895921