How did military service obligations differ in England and France?

In England, military service was voluntary, while in France, it was mandatory through conscription.

In England, the military service was largely based on a voluntary system. This means that individuals had the choice to join the military or not. The British Army was a professional force, with soldiers signing up for long-term service. This was often for life, although shorter terms of service became more common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The British Navy also relied on volunteers, but also used impressment, a form of forced recruitment, particularly during times of war. However, this was not a form of universal obligation as seen in France, but rather a method of filling gaps in manpower.

In contrast, France had a system of conscription, which was introduced during the French Revolution in the late 18th century. This system, known as the 'levée en masse', required all able-bodied men to serve in the military. It was a radical departure from the previous system, where the French military was made up of professional soldiers and foreign mercenaries. The levée en masse was a response to the dire military situation France found itself in during the Revolution, and it effectively turned the entire male population into a reserve army. This system of conscription continued in various forms throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, with periods of peace seeing reduced conscription and periods of war seeing increased conscription.

The differences in military service obligations between England and France reflect the different social and political contexts of the two countries. In England, the voluntary system was a reflection of the country's liberal traditions and respect for individual rights. In France, the system of conscription was a product of the revolutionary ethos, which emphasised collective duty and sacrifice for the nation. These differences had significant implications for the nature of warfare, with France able to mobilise large armies quickly, while England had a smaller but highly professional military force.