Selective Service Act

Definition

The Selective Service Act was a law passed in 1917 that required all male citizens and male immigrants living in the United States to register for the military draft during World War I. It established a system for conscripting soldiers to bolster the U.S. military forces engaged in the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Selective Service Act was passed in 1917 in response to the United States' entry into World War I, as the country needed to rapidly expand its military forces.
2. The act required all male citizens and male immigrants living in the United States between the ages of 21 and 30 to register for the military draft.
3. The Selective Service system was responsible for classifying registrants and determining who would be called up for service based on factors such as occupation, family status, and physical fitness.
4. The act provided for various types of deferments and exemptions, including for those with dependents, essential occupations, and conscientious objectors.
5. The Selective Service Act was later expanded and modified during World War II and the Korean War to meet the changing military manpower needs of the United States.

Review Questions

• Explain the purpose and key provisions of the Selective Service Act.
  • The Selective Service Act was enacted in 1917 to rapidly expand the U.S. military forces during World War I. It required all male citizens and male immigrants living in the United States between the ages of 21 and 30 to register for the military draft. The act established a system for conscripting soldiers, with the Selective Service responsible for classifying registrants and determining who would be called up for service based on factors such as occupation, family status, and physical fitness. The act also provided for various types of deferments and exemptions, including for those with dependents, essential occupations, and conscientious objectors.
• Analyze how the Selective Service Act was used to meet the changing military manpower needs of the United States during the 20th century.
  • The Selective Service Act was expanded and modified during World War II and the Korean War to meet the evolving military manpower needs of the United States. During World War II, the act was expanded to include all men between the ages of 18 and 45, and the Selective Service system was responsible for classifying and drafting millions of men to serve in the military. Similarly, during the Korean War, the Selective Service Act was used to conscript additional troops to support the U.S. military effort. The flexibility of the act allowed the government to adapt the draft system to the specific requirements of each conflict, ensuring a sufficient supply of military personnel to meet the nation's defense needs.
• Evaluate the impact of the Selective Service Act on American society and the role of the government in mobilizing for war.
  • The Selective Service Act had a significant impact on American society during the 20th century. By instituting a compulsory military draft, the act gave the government a powerful tool to rapidly expand the armed forces and mobilize the nation for war. This had far-reaching consequences, both positive and negative, on the lives of millions of American citizens. The act raised questions about individual rights, civil liberties, and the appropriate role of the government in times of conflict. It also had broader social and economic impacts, as the draft disrupted communities, families, and industries. Evaluating the legacy of the Selective Service Act requires considering its effectiveness in meeting the nation's military needs, as well as its broader implications for the relationship between the government and the people during periods of war and national emergency.

Related terms

Conscription:

The compulsory enrollment of individuals into the armed forces, also known as the military draft.

Deferment: A postponement of military service granted to individuals based on certain criteria, such as educational or occupational status.

Conscientious Objector: An individual who, due to moral, ethical, or religious beliefs, refuses to participate in military service or bear arms.