100th Anniversary of the Selective Service Act

We here at Silverdale Press are getting ready for the release of our White House Holidays: Veterans Day unit study for homeschoolers. To mark the occasion, we are sharing some fun facts with you. 

Did you know that 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the Selective Service Act? This act, passed by Congress, allowed President Wilson to raise an army to fight in World War I. 

Before the Selective Service Act, America had a small, volunteer fighting force and was in no way prepared to fight in the Great War. As the Central Powers sank more Allied ships and killed more American citizens, war looked increasingly likely. So, President Woodrow pushed for military conscription. 

At the time, all men between the ages of 21 and 30 had to register for the Selective Service. President Wilson's plan was a success. By Armistice Day (November 11, 1918), 24 million men had registered for the draft. The weight of United States fighting force had helped bring an end to the war. 

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