The Jourdan law, officially known as the Law of Conscription, was instituted in France to ensure the military was adequately staffed during an era of intense revolutionary warfare. Emerging from the radical socio-political changes of the French Revolution, the law came into effect at a time when France faced threats from various European monarchies that opposed the revolutionary changes happening within the country. The law mandated that all young men who completed their education were to serve in the military for a specified period, thus creating a pool of soldiers drawn directly from the citizenry.

The law was significant as it reflected the revolutionary ideals of citizen participation in the defense of the nation. It endorsed the concept of a “nation in arms,” fundamentally altering the relationship between the state and its citizens, as military service became a duty of citizenship. This movement aimed to professionalize and expand the military in response to the precarious situation France found itself in due to external wars and the need to consolidate the Revolution’s gains.

The law's originator, Lazare Nicolas Marguerite Carnot, along with other revolutionary leaders, saw compulsory service as essential for maintaining a strong defense against foreign invasions and internal insurrections. Such policies laid the groundwork for modern military conscription practices, influencing many countries in subsequent generations. Notably, the Jourdan law spurred widespread demonstrations and discussions about the responsibilities of citizens and the role of the military in a democratic society.