Volunteering and conscription during World War I significantly impacted Britain by mobilizing millions of men for military service, reshaping the workforce and society. Voluntary enlistment initially saw enthusiastic participation, but as casualties mounted, conscription was introduced in 1916, leading to widespread social and political debates. This shift highlighted class disparities and challenged traditional gender roles, as women increasingly took on roles in factories and other sectors. Ultimately, these changes contributed to a transformation in British society and laid the groundwork for future social reforms.
By 1960, the British government had decided that Britain should rely on a full time professional army and not be dependent on conscripts. The last National Servicemen was demobbed in 1963.
It is conscription (or drafting).
Canada began conscription in 1916-1917, since volunteers declined severely. This was unsucessful, since the French opposed this greatly and everyone else didn't want to be forced into it. the governemtn had no way to ensure all the registered men would actually go to the trainning so 20 000 instead of 400 000 men showed up.
Many people thought of conscription as a sign of loyalty to Britain, their mothercountry, and thought that it would also support those men who were already fighting. However, trade unions feared that their members might be replaced by cheaper foreign or female labour and opposed conscription. Some groups argued that the whole war was immoral, and it was unjust to force people to fight.
The argument and debate about conscription had the greatest impact on Australian Prime Minister Billy Hughes.
toby
Britain
1960
The Compulsory conscription was ordered by Hitler in the World War 2, that was against the Treaty of Versailles
It officially ended in 1960.
In Britain it was sixteen.
For the first year and a half the British relied on volunteers. Volunteering slowed to a trickle though, so the British had to resort to conscription early in 1916.
There was an upper age-limit for conscription. But I don't think anyone was too bothered if some good ol' boys felt like volunteering.
The military draft (conscription) caused a fierce rebellious culture in the US.
The Secretary of War informed Lincoln that to carry out the planned offensives that were needed to bring about the end of the war, the Union needed far more troops than were volunteering to fill the rolls.
impact was greater for Britain
By 1960, the British government had decided that Britain should rely on a full time professional army and not be dependent on conscripts. The last National Servicemen was demobbed in 1963.