Conscription

During the Second World War the British government was constantly monitoring the success of its various policies concerning the Home Front. The government was also aware of the possibility that it might be necessary to introduce legislation to deal with any emerging problems.

It is December 1941. You have been asked to write a report on Conscription. This is to be divided into two sections.

Conscription: Main article

(1) A report on the policy of conscription.

Things you should consider include:

(a) What was the Military Training Act?

(b) What was the Schedule of Reserved Occupations?

(c) Why did the government pass the National Service (Armed Forces) Act in 1939?

(d) Why did the government pass the National Service Act in 1940?

(e) Why did some people refuse to be conscripted into the armed forces?

(2) A report that includes proposals about the changes that you would like to see in government policy. These proposals will then be discussed and voted on by the rest of the class.

Things you should consider include:

(a) Would you make any changes to the National Service (Armed Forces) Act in 1939?

(b) What should the government do about conscientious objectors?