1793 Universal conscription in France
1863 American Civil War (New York Draft Riots): In New York City, opponents of conscription begin three days of violent rioting, which would later be regarded as the worst in the history of the United States.
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 passes the U.S. Congress giving the President the power of conscription.
1917 World War I: Conscription begins in the United States as "Army registration day."
1919 December 5
1930 One-year conscription comes into force in France
1942 World War II: A national plebiscite is held in Canada on the issue of conscription.
1944 William Lyon Mackenzie King introduces conscription in Canada (see Conscription Crisis of 1944).
1962 The East German government readopts conscription.
1962 France shortens the term for military service from 26 months to 18.
1965 Vietnam War: The anti-war, student-run National Coordinating Committee to End the War in Vietnam stages the first public burning of a draft card in the United States.