Conscription - GCSE History Definition

What is conscription?

In GCSE History, conscription is the act or process of forcing people by law to join the armed services. 

Conscription is introduced by a government, usually before or during a conflict. For example, during the First World War, the British government introduced conscription in 1915 with the introduction of the Military Service Act.  

Conscription is often confused with national service. National service is a system used in some countries, where people are ordered by law to spend a period of time in the armed services, during periods of peace. Although national service is similar to conscription, they are different, as conscription is often voluntary and can include civil services.