This program traces the history of forced conscription into the U.S. military back to its roots during the Revolutionary War. Engage in a debate about the relationship between the draft and the idea of what it means to be an American citizen, informed by examples from all major conflicts the United States has engaged in over the past two centuries.

NOTE: While the video clip focuses on combat in Iraq, which began in 2003, the narration states that "Since 2001, Americans have been in combat for over 13 years — the longest war in American history." This refers collectively to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars and ongoing U.S. involvement in those regions. Learn more about the distinctions between these wars here:  Iraq War and Afghanistan War.