Why is 18 years old the legal adult age in usa?

Answer 1

After research it seems that 18 was never officially proposed as a "legal age". Up until the mid 1960's common society always viewed people of 21 years of age to be a "Grown person". During the Vietnam War a draft was enacted to force supply of soldiers. All men ages 18+ were sent into combat.

This act brought 18 into the foreground as a view of "Grown person" and also resulted in a wide upbringing of the fact that 18-year-old's were viewed as adults but still not allowed to vote (as the legal voting age was 21)

On July 1, 1971, the 26th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution was enacted, making the new legal voting age 18. And since then 18 has been inducted by all states as "Legal age".

Answer 2

Most think age 18 is the age of adulthood, but that's actually not the standard around the world, or even in the United States. In American Samoa, it's age 14, but in El Salvador, males don't reach the Age of Majority until age 25. In Mississippi, it's age 21, but in Texas, a 16-year-old can rent an apartment to live alone. For the most part overall, in the United States, it's age 18

Why age 18? At the time of the Civil War, it was ordered that males reaching age 18 would be required to register for the possibility Military Conscription, also known as "The Draft", the "Call-up" or "National Service". After the end of the Civil War, as result of the Age of Conscription, males demanded the right to be considered adults at that age. Later, in the 20th Century, with the push for the ERA, females were granted the same right, but without the same requirements.

Why were males Drafted at age 18? This was established for two primary reasons.

First, by the time of the Civil War, it was determined that at age 18, males reach their peak in being able to sustain long and arduous hours/days of battle with little rest. As advancements in our understanding of the human condition took place in the 20th Century, we learned that this is the point when the male body wastes less than 5% of oxygen and nutrient energy. Females reach this point at age 14.

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Answer 3

That's when you graduate! YEAH!!!

besides, who in their right mind would want to stay home any longer than they have to.. it;s like a prision in there!

There's a whole great world out there, waiting for you to bust your move, make a difference!

Answer 4

The 26th Amendment in 1971 effectively lowered the US voting age to 18 (from 21) by stating that those who are 18 years old cannot be denied the right to vote on the basis of their age.

Answer 5

Where i live, its still 18.

Answer 6

1991

Answer 7

1963