Recruitment To The Armed Forces 20th Century

Question 1

Recruitment 1900

Answer 1

Cardwell Reforms made the army more professional – length of service lowered, reorganisation of regiments into local regions helped make the army more attractive.

Condition improved (rations improved, flogging ended) and officers were promoted on merit.

Question 2

Continuity of recruitment 1900 - Present

Answer 2

Still reliant on volunteers in WW1

Question 3

Change in recruitment 1900 - Present

Answer 3

Conscription introduced from 1916.
Conscription introduced again September 1939, extended to men and women.
Conscientious Objectors were imprisoned or forced into a non-fighting role.
Conscription scaled down after war into National Service (from 1948). National Service ended in 1960.
Women now serving on an equal basis.