The above picture is an actual picture from today’s feature. On this date in 1917, the first draft for WWI was held. This was not optional–it was required. Around ten million males between the ages of 21 and 31 were registered all over this country. “Substitute fighters” were not allowed (as it had been during the time of the Civil War). All classes of individuals were expected to register. The reason that this became mandatory is that there were enough volunteers for the War. There was an actual Selective Service Act, and as you can imagine, there was resistance. Everything from draft dodging to peaceful protests to editorial letters comprised the reaction to this mandate.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conscription_in_the_United_States
http://clockworkconservative.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/lost-and-found-june-5th-edition-3/
http://famousdaily.com/history/10-million-men-draft-wwi.html
