Conscription

At a glance:

Conscription is the power of a government to force people, usually adult males, to serve in the military. Mandatory military service has existed in many societies and periods throughout history, but its modern use began with the French Revolution (1789-1792). Conscription has often been presented as an obligation of citizenship.

Greece and Rome

In Greece and the Roman Republic, military service was obligatory for adult male citizens. Military service was episodic, with men serving a few months each year during wartime. After the collapse of the Roman Republic and its...

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