Draft - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, the draft (also called conscription) means when the government force people to join the army, usually during a war, because there are not enough volunteers or soldiers. During the Vietnam War, the USA used the draft to send thousands of young men to fight. Many people thought the war was unfair or wrong, and some believed it was mainly poorer people and minorities being sent to fight. This led to huge protests across the country — especially by students and civil rights groups. Some people refused to go, burned their draft cards, or fled the country. Understanding the draft helps students see how governments mobilised troops, but also how it could cause anger, division, and even help start protest movements during major conflicts like the Vietnam War.