The Story of Conscription

By the end of 1915, the number of volunteers for military service was dwindling. In March 1916, after much debate, the UK government changed the law. Outside Ireland, all UK citizens were now soldiers, precluded from call-up only by gender, age, physical fitness or occupation.

Compulsory military service of one form or another continued until 1960.

This video explores the pre-war origins and the story of conscription using objects from the National Army Museum’s collection.

[mikesully]

The fact that the state can force a man to give his very life for that state, shows that the state owns us. They still think they own us even now. But they know conscription will do them more harm than good - the last thing they want now is for common working class proles to have weapons training.
Imagine having to give your life for a state, that would have you work down a mine your entire life, for a meagre pittance in return; while they live in luxury without having to lift a finger? and we are to die for them?? So glad I was born in 1986 and not 1886... the difference just 100 years makes/

[rvic]

Conscription sounds like my idea of a living hell. And in answer to the question, no, I very much doubt it would happen in the UK today. Modern wars are fought by technology, not by boots on the ground.

[voxtemporis]

Abolish military conscription. Without this atrocity at their disposal, governments will be far less inclined to start or continue wars. If a particular war is truly popular, there will be sufficient true volunteers.

[zman]

I am always impressed that Australia never introduced conscription in WW1

[hmb]

Conscription seems immoral to me .Cos it happening to me I understand it.

[ym]

The only time conscription is necessary is if your country ever gets invaded or in constant Danger like South Korea.

[dennisflynn]

Coming from a family with generations of volunteers. I believe forced service is a violation of your freedoms to the highest level. But what if nobody (coat holders I call them) went when your territory was invaded...tough call isn't it.

[FinalLugiaGuardian]

Paradoxically, the best way to ensure that men aren't drafted to fight a pointless war is to ensure that women will be too.

[nwlman]

This must never happen again people should not be forced into the army

[mandaloretheangry]

Conscription creepy the hell out of me.

[ThatTallGuy]

I think gun safety, cpr, how to pay taxes and what they’re used for should be taught in schools

[michaelgabout]

Hi there, is there anyone here who could tell more about the Junior Leaders and the Junior Soldiers? After the National Service ended, could a boy under the age of 18 join the army?

[rosesprog]

It is not by preparing for war that you make peace, it is by preparing for peace, the draft is a medieval concept, let's move on.There is no glory in war only death and destruction, let the rich bastards fight their wars themselves if they want, I'm not going to die for anyone else's benefits.

[melissareid]

I hope it never comes to that I never want to join the military, I worry it would ruin/waste my baby bearing years or depending on what is being used make me less fertile, but I would support the effort in other ways ie factory work ...

[cubalassus-reid]

bruh conscription started during the french revolution lol

[MuslimMannn]

Is conscription in the UK obligatory? I don't understand English good. I don't understood the woman in the video.

[luckyfox]

Could it happen today? We're about to find out I suppose 😅

[EngPheniks]

Conscription is horrible. Good men (and women) recruited in the military against their will or otherwise face imprisoned if they refuse. Imperial Japan was the worst case.

[burkeeboy]

It’s only needed during large conflict

[endomobo]

Soldiers are professional dead people, good for them, it's nice that they've found an interest. I do not share this interest, don't make me die so rich people can have a few million more pounds, cheers.