Conscription in World War I

Conscription in World War I was a government-mandated military draft that required eligible citizens to serve in the armed forces. As the war intensified, many nations, facing a shortage of volunteers, introduced conscription to ensure enough troops. This process involved selecting men of certain ages from the population to serve, often regardless of personal choice, to sustain the war effort. It was a complex and sometimes controversial policy, balancing national security needs with individual rights. Conscription significantly expanded armies and was a defining feature of the war’s mobilization, shaping societal attitudes toward military service and government authority during the conflict.