If called, would you go? Should the US government have the power to impose a draft during any war? The Selective Service Act of 1917 (aka the Conscription Act of 1917) authorized the drafting of men into the military for only the second time in US history. After reflecting on their own response to the draft, class members examine six letters written in response to the Selective Service Act and then categorize the responses.

Concepts

military draft, conscription, world war i

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• If learners are unfamiliar with the concept of sorting and categorizing, model the process for them

Classroom Considerations

• The resource does not directly address the response to the Vietnam draft

Pros

• The packet includes links to the letters, background and preparation information, a step-by-step plan, and a project rubric

Cons

• Some class members may need additional support to understand how to create and organize the responses into meaningful categories

Common Core

RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2