Final answer:
Conscription is compulsory military service that has been implemented in various countries throughout history. It was used during the Civil War in the United States to address recruitment challenges, and in Europe between 1870 and 1914 to increase the size of military forces. Conscription ensures that there are enough troops available during times of conflict or military expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conscription is a term that describes compulsory military service in some countries. It requires individuals, often males, to undergo a number of months or years of military training and service. During the Civil War, both the Union and the Confederacy faced difficulties in recruiting enough soldiers and eventually implemented conscription laws to meet their military needs.
Conscription was also used in Europe between 1870 and 1914 to increase the size of the major powers' militaries. It required individuals to enlist in the military, effectively doubling its size during peacetime.
Overall, conscription is a practice that has been used throughout history to ensure a sufficient number of troops in times of conflict or the need to expand military capabilities.