Selective Service Act

Definition

The Selective Service Act was a law enacted in 1917 that authorized the United States federal government to raise an army through compulsory enlistment of citizens for military service. This act was significant during World War I as it marked a shift in gender roles and expectations, as men were drafted while women began taking on roles traditionally held by men, leading to changes in societal views about gender capabilities and responsibilities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Selective Service Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on May 18, 1917, in response to the U.S. entry into World War I.
2. Under this act, nearly 10 million men registered for the draft, and about 2.8 million were inducted into military service.
3. The act led to a significant change in women’s roles as they began to take over jobs traditionally held by men who were off fighting in the war.
4. The Selective Service Act reflected a broader societal shift as women started advocating for their rights and roles beyond the domestic sphere.
5. The act laid the groundwork for future conscription laws and military policies that would continue to evolve throughout the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did the implementation of the Selective Service Act impact men's roles during World War I?
  • The implementation of the Selective Service Act drastically changed men's roles during World War I by mandating military service for many. As millions of men were drafted, those who remained at home faced new societal expectations to support the war effort in different ways. This included taking on work that was previously considered masculine or traditional male jobs, thus reshaping their identities and responsibilities within both family and community contexts.
• In what ways did the Selective Service Act contribute to shifts in women's employment during World War I?
  • The Selective Service Act significantly contributed to shifts in women's employment as it left gaps in the workforce when men were drafted into military service. With many men away fighting, women stepped into roles that had been exclusively male, including positions in factories, transportation, and other industries critical for war production. This transition not only challenged traditional gender roles but also laid the foundation for future movements advocating for women's rights and equality in the workplace.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Selective Service Act on gender roles in American society following World War I.
  • The long-term effects of the Selective Service Act on gender roles in American society were profound, as it catalyzed a reevaluation of women's capabilities and rights. The war experience showed that women could successfully perform jobs outside traditional domestic roles, leading to increased calls for women's suffrage and greater participation in public life. This shift paved the way for future generations to challenge gender norms and advocate for equality, influencing subsequent movements throughout the 20th century and beyond.

Related terms

Conscription: The mandatory enlistment of individuals into the armed forces, often referred to as the draft.

Women's Army Corps (WAC): A women's branch of the United States Army, established during World War II, that allowed women to serve in non-combat roles and set a precedent for women's involvement in the military.

Labor Shortage: A situation where the demand for labor exceeds the supply, often occurring during wartime when many men are drafted, leading women to fill roles in factories and other sectors.