Time/Life Images, 1945

"The history of man is in large part the chronicle of his quest for food. Hunger, or the fear of it, has always played a major role in determining the actions and the attitudes of man"
​- Ancel Keys, The Biology of Human Starvation, 1950

Minnesota Starvation Experiment Participants, Time/Life Images, 1945.

In World War II America, The Minnesota Starvation Experiment, led by Dr. Ancel Keys, provided a compromise for conscientious objectors who desired to serve their country during a time of war. Though this experiment does not adhere to modern ethical standards, Conscientious Objectors provided vital information used in the Cold War and the treatment of eating disorders. The compromise brings up a fundamental conflict of ethics: is it ever acceptable for governments to use food as a tool, whether for experimentation, research, or foreign policy?

The Minnesota Starvation Experiment Through the Participants' Eyes
(Hover to read quotes)

"Can freedom of conscience and war be reconciled?"

"We want to serve humanity and aid the downtrodden masses wherever they may be"

Max Kempleman

Samuel Legg

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