Civics 101 The Draft
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Jun 26, 2018 Jennifer Mittelstadt, a history professor at Rutgers and military history expert, dives deep into the fascinating history of the military draft. She traces its origins pre-Constitution, explores its evolution through key events like the Civil War and Vietnam War, and discusses the complex social implications, including class disparities and conscientious objection. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about the draft's potential return and the inclusion of women, making it clear that this topic is as relevant today as ever.
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Selective Service Is A Standby System
- The 1980 Selective Service law requires males 18–25 to register so the government can locate potential recruits if needed.
- The U.S. currently has no active draft but maintains a registration system as a contingency.
Draft Roots Stretch Back To The Founding
- Compulsory military service existed in American colonies and was debated at national scale after the Revolution.
- The Civil War produced the first national draft law in U.S. history.
Buying Out Of Civil War Service
- In the 1860s both Confederacy and Union allowed substitutions or buying out of service, shifting burdens to working classes.
- That practice fueled resentment and concentrated fighting among lower-income and agricultural men.