Did the US and united kingdom have a draft prior to World War 1?

The United States did not have a draft prior to World War I. Instead, the country relied on a system of voluntary enlistment to build its military forces. This system proved inadequate during World War I, and the United States was forced to implement a draft in order to meet its manpower needs.

The United Kingdom, on the other hand, did have a draft prior to World War I. The British government introduced the Military Service Act in 1916, which made military service mandatory for all men aged 18 to 41. This act was highly controversial, and it sparked a number of protests and demonstrations. However, it ultimately helped the United Kingdom to build up its military forces and fight in World War I.