The United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War marked a pivotal moment in American history, with widespread protests and a growing anti-war movement. One of the critical issues that fueled these protests was the military draft, which required young men to serve in the armed forces. The draft, officially known as the Selective Service System, had been in place since World War II, but it wasn’t until the late 1960s and early 1970s that it became a focal point of controversy.
The army draft, which was managed by the Selective Service System, was established by the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940. The system required all male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 to register for military service. The draft was used to fill the military’s personnel needs during times of war or national emergency. However, as the Vietnam War dragged on and casualties mounted, the draft became increasingly unpopular.
The Unpopularity of the Draft
Several factors contributed to the unpopularity of the draft. One major issue was the perceived unfairness of the system. The draft allowed for deferments, which enabled certain individuals, such as college students or those with connections, to avoid military service. This created a sense of inequality, as those who were less fortunate or less connected were more likely to be drafted.
Another issue was the lack of control that draftees had over their military service. Once inducted, individuals were assigned to various branches of the military and could be sent to combat zones without their consent. This lack of autonomy and the risk of being sent to fight in an unpopular war led to widespread discontent among young men and their families.
The Role of the Lottery System
In 1969, the Selective Service System introduced a lottery system to determine the order in which men would be called to serve. The system used a random drawing of birth dates to determine the order of induction. While the lottery system was intended to make the draft more fair and transparent, it ultimately contributed to the growing unrest.
The lottery system created a sense of uncertainty and fear among young men, as they waited to see if their birthday would be called. This uncertainty, combined with the unpopularity of the war, fueled anti-draft protests and led to a growing movement to end the draft.
The End of the Draft
The combination of protests, lobbying efforts, and shifting public opinion eventually led to the end of the draft. In 1971, the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. This change gave young men the right to vote and have a say in the policies that affected their lives, including the draft.
In 1973, the United States ended its involvement in the Vietnam War, and the draft was officially discontinued. The switch to an all-volunteer military, which was first proposed by President Richard Nixon in 1969, was finally implemented. The end of the draft marked a significant shift in the way the U.S. military operated and had a lasting impact on American society.
Know Your Rights
While the draft is no longer in effect, it’s essential for citizens to understand their rights and the history behind the Selective Service System. Here are a few key points to know:
- The Selective Service System is still in place, although it is currently inactive.
- Male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register with the Selective Service System.
- Failure to register can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
- The U.S. government has considered reinstating the draft in times of national emergency, but this has not occurred since the end of the Vietnam War.
In conclusion, the army draft was a contentious issue that played a significant role in shaping American history. The combination of protests, lobbying efforts, and shifting public opinion ultimately led to the end of the draft and the switch to an all-volunteer military. Understanding the history behind the draft and the rights of citizens is essential for appreciating the complexities of American society and the evolution of the U.S. military.
What was the main reason for the unpopularity of the draft during the Vietnam War?
+The main reason for the unpopularity of the draft was the perceived unfairness of the system, which allowed for deferments and created a sense of inequality among those who were drafted and those who were not.
How did the lottery system contribute to the end of the draft?
+The lottery system created a sense of uncertainty and fear among young men, which fueled anti-draft protests and contributed to the growing movement to end the draft.
What was the significance of the 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in relation to the draft?
+The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, giving young men the right to vote and have a say in the policies that affected their lives, including the draft.
