My Personal Reflection
Because I have a loved one enlisted into the U.S. military, I have always been interested in the history of our country's armed forces. Additionally, my grandfather on my mother's side of the family was drafted into the U.S. Army post-World War II and served in Germany for two years. Furthermore, my grandfather on my dad's side of the family served in the U.S. Army as well during World War II. My family's past, regarding service to the United States, was an inspiration to me for completing this project. From their experiences, I have heard countless stories of what it is like to serve in the military, including both advantages and disadvantages. Although they have served in different branches, the patriotism of these honorary men in my life has proved to be equal. All three of them, regardless of whether or not they were drafted or voluntary enlisted, are extremely proud to have served our country.
For this research project, I wanted to choose the topic of the history of the military draft so I could better understand how it has affected other American citizens throughout our nation's past. While conducting my research, I learned a vast amount of information about the history of the United States that I was previously unaware of. I discovered numerous details about the major wars we have encountered and how the military draft affected these wars , as well as the lives of our fellow citizens.
Although during some wars there was more controversy over the military draft than others, I have realized through my research that this controversy has been very evident all throughout our country's past. Between the Conscientious Objectors and the Industrial Workers of the World, there has always been some opposition over the draft. Some people view the draft as an asset to the defense of our country, while others view it as a complete negative. It was interesting for me to analyze both sides of the fence and see the viewpoints on the draft from multiple perspectives. Until researching about it, I never had quite understood the impact on all different types of people the draft had and still has.
I would enjoy the opportunity to actually get to teach the history of the military draft to my students one day. I would introduce the concept of the military draft while teaching my students about the various wars America has been involved in. Conscription is not only a part of our past, but it has the potential to be a part of our country's future. Therefore, I think it is essential for students to understand this concept and the effects it can have on them and their loved ones as American citizens.
My topic can specifically be tied to the Social Studies Essential Standard: 6.C & G.1-"Understand the development of government in various civilizations, societies, and regions." More specifically, it applies to the Clarifying Objective 6. C & G.1.3-"Compare the requirements for (e.g. age, gender, and status) and responsibilities (e.g., paying taxes and military services) citizenship under various governments." All students need to understand that as American citizens, they have requirements and responsibilities they must own up to in order to obtain our country's freedom. We currently possess a volunteer based military. Therefore, we need to teach students early on about the pride and honor that ties into providing our country with military service. If we neglect this topic, then our future as a strong and free country will regress. We need to keep students alert and educated regarding our country's past military involvement, as well as what might happen in our country's near future.
From this project, I have learned various things that will be valuable for me to understand as a future elementary social studies teacher. I have primarily learned the importance of valuing others' perspectives. We are all entitled to our own opinions, so we should have the decency to respect others' opinions and standpoints on all topics. This does not mean we have to agree, but I have learned that it important to equally look at both sides of any controversial matter. In addition, I have learned the value of analyzing and taking advantage of various resources. Our world is continually advancing in technology and easy access to all types of information. With these numerous resources, I have the chance as a future elementary teacher to introduce social studies in an engaging and interactive way to students. From this project, I now see the value of utilizing these beneficial resources.
Anne Newsom