2. Today and tomorrow’s lesson
We are consolidating our knowledge and understanding of
the role of Conscription and conscientious objectors
during World War One.
By the end of today’s lesson I should be able to:
1) State what conscription was.
2) Describe the process involved in conscription.
3) Describe the treatment of conscientious objectors
Today’s lesson involves:
Note taking
Discussion Task
‘House of Commons’ debate task.
3. What was conscription?
Britain was facing a shortage of troops in 1916 so
the UK Government introduced a policy of
conscription where men were forced to join the
war effort.
Britain was rare compared to countries such as
Germany in that their army was mainly voluntary.
The Government did launch a huge recruitment
campaign but this did not attract the numbers
required.
4. What was conscription?
In July 1915 the Government did start to float the idea of conscription
so they introduced the National Registrations Act.
This law forced all men and women to sign a register so that they could
be called up to play a part in the war, if required.
In January 1916 this was enhanced by the Military Service Act. This
introduced conscription for single men aged 18-41, excluding certain
groups such as the clergy and other types of workers needed for the
war effort.
The law included a clause that recognized that some men would not
fight on religious grounds so they included plans for them to get civilian
jobs or non-fighting military roles.
5. What was conscription?
• Some people were exempt from military service on the grounds of
conscience. These men were known as ‘conscientious objectors’. They
claimed exemption on grounds of their pacifist, political or religious
beliefs. This was very controversial.
• In May 1916 the law was extended to cover married men too.
• The final change to the conscription law came in place in 1918 when
the age of which men could be recruited was increased to 51 and
they tried to introduction conscription to Ireland (despite opposition)
• There was some opposition to conscription and there was notable
protests against this.
6. Discussion Points
For the two questions below discuss with your partner:
1) Do you think conscription is a good idea or a bad idea?
2) How would you feel being conscripted into the army?
7. Evaluation Task
Below, is a list of four bills that the UK Government introduced
between 1915 – 1918 regarding conscription. You must copy and
complete this table in your jotter.
Bill Description Why do you think people opposed
this?
National Registrations Act (July 1915)
Military Service Act (January 1916)
Military Service Act (May 1916) All married men between the ages 18-
41 were conscripted.
Military Service Act (March 1918) All men between 18-51 were
conscripted and conscription was
extended to Ireland despite
opposition.
People in Ireland did not want to be
forced to fight for the British Army
EXTENSION: Do you agree with Conscription? Write a short paragraph to express your views.
8. Task 2
You are an MP in the House of Commons for the Liberal Party and you
are about to vote on the Military Service Act in 1916 and you are about
to deliver a short speech to the house delivering your views.
Watch the following clip of someone speaking in the House of
Commons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awA6D5k5VI8
You must write a short speech whether you agree with the
Government led by David Lloyd George or the rebels led by the former
minister John Simon. You have got 15 Minutes to complete this
speech.
9. Task 2
Your speech must include:
1) What was conscription?
2) Reasons why you against it.
