What were the conscription arguments?

Conscription was also a debate about the obligations of citizenship. Those supporting conscription argued that: military service should not be an individual choice. the supreme duty a citizen owed to their country was to fight for it.

Why is conscription controversial?

Conscription is controversial for a range of reasons, including conscientious objection to military engagements on religious or philosophical grounds; political objection, for example to service for a disliked government or unpopular war; sexism, in that historically only men have been subject to the draft; and …

Why should conscription be allowed?

Conscription provides an important reminder of what it means to be a citizen in a liberal democracy. The return of conscription would revitalize the weakening civil-military link and remind people of their civil obligations. National service is an important way to instill common values and build character.

What conscription is bad?

One downside of conscription is that the time in the military can be quite hard. For many people, it is the first time away from home for a longer period of time and they might not be mentally prepared for this. Some people may feel quite lonely and may also not be able to deal with the strict rules in the military.

Was there conscription in ww2?

On the day Britain declared war on Germany, 3 September 1939, Parliament immediately passed a more wide-reaching measure. The National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposed conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41 who had to register for service.

What two politicians opposed conscription?

Conscription was the main issue in the federal election that followed in December, a bitter contest between Conservative / Unionist Sir Robert Borden and Liberal Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

Why did farmers oppose conscription?

To justify their opposition to conscription, the farmers maintained that it was not only in their own interest, but also consistent with the national and supranational interest, for them to stay home and feed the troops of Great Britain and its allies.

Is conscription good for the economy?

Proponents of conscription argue that a draft lowers personnel costs considerably, when comparing with an all-volunteer military. While it is true that the budgetary costs of conscription-based militaries are lower, this ignores all the economic costs that are imposed by this regime.

How does conscription affect society?

The findings show that military service increases the likelihood of future crimes, mostly among males from disadvantaged backgrounds and with a previous criminal history. The only positive effect of conscription for this group is the decrease in disability benefits and the number of sick days.

Why did ww1 need conscription?

The government saw no alternative but to increase numbers by conscription – compulsory active service. Parliament was deeply divided but recognised that because of the imminent collapse of the morale of the French army, immediate action was essential. In January 1916 the Military Service Act was passed.

What would happen if there was conscription in the war?

The politicians voting for war would finally have some skin in the game. It’s well known that very few children of the affluent actually serve on the front lines. At least with conscription, you have people from all fields of life participating side by side, as equals.

What do students learn about the Conscription Crisis in Canada?

Students learn about the conscription crisis in Canada. Students are organized into three groups and conduct research on the arguments made by their assigned group for or against conscription. Students then participate in a debate on the topic. Download the full package (pdf).

Why do we need conscription?

It’s very easy to take your freedoms for granted in peace time, but freedom isn’t free. Conscription provides an important reminder of what it means to be a citizen in a liberal democracy. Civic responsibility is something that’s no longer deeply ingrained in the public consciousness.

Should conscription be returned?

The return of conscription would revitalize the weakening civil-military link and remind people of their civil obligations. National service is an important way to instill common values and build character.