1914-1960

1914-18
The First World War

1914
Aliens Restriction Act: foreign nationals to register with the police and the Defence of the Realm Act gives wide discretionary powers to the government to assist with internal security and the war effort

1915
Munitions of War Act illegalises strike action in munitions factories

1916
Military Service Act imposes conscription on all men aged between 18 and 41 and the British Summer Time Act allows longer working days 

1918
Military Service (No. 2) Act raises the conscription age limit to 51

1939-45
The Second World War

1939
Military Training Act: limited conscription for single men aged 20-22

1939
Emergency Powers (Defence) Act gives the government extensive discretionary powers to issue controls and regulations over many aspects of social and economic life

1939
National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposes conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41

1941
National Service Act: all men up to the age of 60 eligible for National Service and some women liable for conscription.

1947
National Service Act imposes National Service on all males aged between 17 and 21

1960
End of National Service