1798    Conscription is made mandatory in France by the Jourdan law.

1863    United States begins its first military draft; exemptions cost $300.

1863    New York Draft Riots: in New York City, opponents of conscription begin three days of rioting which will be later regarded as the worst in United States history.

1916    Prime Minister of Australia Billy Hughes is expelled from the Labor Party over his support for conscription.

1917    World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscription.

1917    World War I: Conscription begins in the United States as "Army registration day".