How did the draft work in World War 2?
The draft, also known as conscription, was a crucial mechanism used by many countries, including the United States, during World War 2 to mobilize their citizens for military service. The draft was implemented to ensure that each country had a sufficient number of trained soldiers to fight against the Axis powers. In this article, we will delve into the details of how the draft worked in World War 2.
The Background
Before World War 2, conscription was not a new concept. Many countries had used it to raise armies during times of war or national emergency. However, the scale and complexity of World War 2 made it necessary for governments to establish a more formal and organized system of conscription.
The United States Draft
The United States entered World War 2 after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. To address the sudden need for soldiers, the US government passed the Selective Training and Service Act in September 1940, which introduced the draft. The draft was administered by the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, with the help of local draft boards.
Here’s a breakdown of how the US draft worked:
- Registration: Men between the ages of 21 and 36 were required to register with the local draft board. More than 16 million men registered during the war.
- Classification: Once registered, men were classified into one of three groups:
- Class I: Men who were eligible for military service
- Class II: Men who were deferable for reasons such as being married, having a dependent, or being essential to the war effort
- Class III: Men who were deferred for medical reasons or because they were over 37 years old
- Draft Lottery: Men classified as Class I were assigned a draft number based on a lottery system. Those with lower numbers were more likely to be drafted first.
- Induction: Men who were selected for service were inducted into the military and began their training.
Draft Statistics
Here are some interesting statistics about the US draft during World War 2:
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Men Registered | 16,364,000 |
| Total Men Inducted | 10,110,104 |
| Men Drafted | 4,500,000 |
| Men Deferred | 5,600,000 |
The Impact of the Draft
The draft had a significant impact on American society during World War 2. It:
- Altered Family Structure: With millions of men serving overseas, women and children had to take on new responsibilities and roles to support the war effort.
- Economic Changes: The draft led to a shortage of labor, which forced industries to rely on women, African Americans, and immigrants to fill the gaps.
- Social Changes: The draft brought people from different social classes and backgrounds together, promoting a sense of unity and national purpose.
Other Countries’ Drafts
Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, also implemented their own draft systems during World War 2. Here are some notable differences:
- United Kingdom: The UK’s draft was more decentralized, with local authorities responsible for recruiting and training soldiers.
- Canada: Canada’s draft was more inclusive, with women and Native Canadians also serving in the military.
- Australia: Australia’s draft was more targeted, with efforts to recruit specific groups, such as Aboriginal Australians and migrant workers.
Conclusion
The draft played a critical role in mobilizing troops for World War 2. By understanding how the draft worked in the United States and other countries, we can appreciate the scale and complexity of the war effort. The draft’s impact on society was far-reaching, altering family structures, economic systems, and social norms. As we reflect on the sacrifices made during World War 2, we must also recognize the importance of the draft in shaping the course of the war.
