The Selective Service Act of 1917 was a pivotal piece of legislation in response to the increasing demands of World War I. Faced with the need to bolster U.S. forces after entering the war in April 1917, Congress recognized that voluntary enlistment would not suffice to meet military requirements. The act was sponsored by President Woodrow Wilson and passed by Congress on May 18, empowering the President to draft soldiers into the armed forces. It allowed for a systematic approach to conscription, requiring men aged 21 to 30 to register, and later expanded the age range to include those up to 45.

The implementation of the Selective Service Act was not merely a logistical challenge but also a cultural shift in American society. Local draft boards, made up of community members, played an essential role in administering the draft and managing the enlistment process. As a result, millions of men registered, and nearly 3 million were drafted into military service by the end of the war. The act created a significant bureaucratic structure to oversee the draft, which would later influence future military conscription policies in the United States.

One interesting aspect of the Selective Service Act was its impact on various demographic groups in America. It galvanized anti-war sentiments among some groups, particularly pacifists and those of certain religious affiliations. Others saw it as a chance to demonstrate patriotism and service to their country. The act also had lasting effects on U.S. military policy and the nation's approach to conscription, establishing a precedent for future conflicts, including World War II and the Vietnam War.