What is Conscription?
The modern form of conscription emerged in the French Revolution, when the government utilized its power to press able bodied men into military service. After the French Revolution, numerous countries adopted the practice to some level or another, and a form of conscription is a common feature in many governments. In many countries, conscription is limited to periods of need, although some countries require all of their citizens to serve in the military as youths. Someone who has been conscripted is known as a conscript, an inductee, or a selectee, in a reference to the American Selective Service Board, which handles conscription for the United States when a draft is put in place. As a general rule, conscripts are allowed to opt out of conscription if they have religious or personal ethical beliefs against warfare. People who wish to avoid conscription because of their beliefs are known as conscientious objectors; depending on the government, they may be offered a chance to serve in a
